Grams to Cups Converter
Select your ingredient for a precise volume conversion based on density.
Result:
Why Grams to Cups Isn't Always the Same
In baking and cooking, precision is the difference between a perfect souffle and a flat pancake. While the metric system (grams) measures mass, cups measure volume. Because different ingredients have different densities, 100 grams of lead would take up much less space than 100 grams of feathers.
The same logic applies to your pantry. Flour is "fluffy" and full of air, whereas sugar is dense and heavy. This calculator uses the standard US legal cup (approximately 240ml) and specific density ratios for the most common baking ingredients to ensure your recipes turn out perfectly every time.
Common Grams to Cups Conversion Table
| Ingredient | 1 Cup (Grams) | 1/2 Cup (Grams) |
|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 120g – 140g | 60g – 70g |
| Granulated Sugar | 200g | 100g |
| Butter | 227g | 113.5g |
| Milk / Water | 236g | 118g |
| Cocoa Powder | 100g – 120g | 50g – 60g |
Tips for Accurate Measurement
- Don't scoop the flour: If you are using cups instead of a scale, use a spoon to fill the cup and level it off with a knife. Scooping directly from the bag packs the flour down, giving you up to 25% more than you actually need.
- Pack your brown sugar: Unlike flour, brown sugar should usually be packed firmly into the measuring cup unless the recipe states otherwise.
- Check your liquids at eye level: When measuring liquids in a clear measuring cup, place the cup on a flat surface and bend down so your eyes are level with the graduation marks.
- Temperature matters: Some liquids, like honey or oil, change density slightly based on temperature, though for most home cooking, this difference is negligible.
Example Calculation
If a recipe calls for 300 grams of granulated sugar and you want to know how many cups that is:
- Identify the density: 1 cup of sugar is roughly 200 grams.
- Divide the weight by the density: 300 / 200 = 1.5.
- Result: You need 1.5 (1 and 1/2) cups of sugar.