Cups measure volume, but grams measure weight. Because ingredients have different densities, one cup of flour weighs much less than one cup of sugar. That is why many bakers prefer a kitchen scale.
Common values for 1 cup
- All-purpose flour: about 125 g
- Granulated sugar: about 200 g
- Brown sugar (packed): about 213 g
- Powdered sugar: about 120 g
- Butter: about 227 g
- Milk: about 245 g
- Water: about 237 g
- Honey: about 340 g
- Rolled oats: about 90 g
- Cocoa powder: about 85 g
Why weighing is better
Scooping flour can add up to 30 g of extra flour depending on how packed it is, which can make cakes dry. A scale gives the same result every time.
Tips
- Use the spoon-and-level method if you only have cups.
- Tare the scale between ingredients.
These are average values, so small differences between brands are normal. Use our cups to grams converter for quick results.
Try it now: Cups to Grams Converter