The number of grams in a cup depends on a variety of factors, like the type of measuring cup you use and what you are measuring. Solids, liquids, and different dry goods will all yield varying results for how many grams are in a cup. I discuss these factors and more so you can master conversions in the kitchen.
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How Many Grams Are In A Cup?
A measuring cup is one of the most common tools to have in your kitchen. However, it is not always the most exact measuring tool.
This may seem odd since a cup is a cup – right? Not exactly. While the volume of a 1 cup measuring cup is 8 ounces (in the United States) the weight of what it holds can vary.
Therefore, it is important to understand how to convert grams into a cup. That way, regardless of what you are measuring, you can always get the exact measurement.
What is a Gram?
A gram is used to measure mass or weight using the metric system. The metric system is a universal system of measurement. It is used as the primary scale of measurement in most countries. The United States is one of only a few countries that don’t use the metric system.
In the United States, the primary system of measurement is the imperial system. This is a system that was originally used in the United Kingdom. However, the UK today mostly follows the metric system.
Moreover, the United States made some adjustments when they brought the imperial system to the new world. This is why the US standard system is slightly different than the original imperial system.
Today in the United States the primary form of measurement for weight or mass is done in ounces. Grams, just like ounces, can be used to measure liquid and dry ingredients.
Since grams can be used to measure both liquid and dry ingredients, it is important to understand how the difference in ingredients can impact how many grams are in a cup.
What is Considered a Cup?
When using a measuring cup, it is important to understand the cup you are using, and the cup used to create the recipe. Not every 1 cup measuring cup is the same.
In the United States, a standard 1 cup measuring cup has a volume of 8 ounces. However, in the United Kingdom, a 1 cup measuring cup has a volume of 9.61 ounces.
This is one of the few measurements the UK kept from the imperial system - and this measuring cup is called the imperial cup.
If you are following a recipe from the UK and you live in the U.S., the volume of the cup is different, and you will need to make adjustments for it while cooking.
Make sure you adjust the grams in a cup to match the volume of the cup used when the recipe was written. Whether that is adding additional grams (adjusting the U.S. cup to the UK cup) or using less (adjusting the UK cup to the U.S. cup).
Beyond the U.S. cup and the UK cup, there is the metric cup. The metric cup is used in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Latin America.
How many Grams are in a Liquid Cup?
Converting liquid ingredients from grams into cups is quite easy. All liquids have the same weight. Therefore, it will always be the same conversion. If using a standard U.S. measuring cup, there are 240 grams in a cup.
Whether you are measuring water, tea, coffee, or other (mostly clear) liquids – this measurement will stay the same. There will always be 240 grams of liquid in a cup.
If using (or adjusting for) the UK measuring cup, there are 284 grams of liquid in a cup. If using a metric cup, there are 250 grams in one metric cup.
How many grams are in a cup of milk?
The one liquid that has a slightly different weight is milk. Milk is usually thicker than water, and therefore the volume and weight are different.
There are 245 grams of milk in 1 U.S. cup. 289 grams in the UK or Imperial Cup, and 255 grams in one metric cup.
This conversion can be used for any type of milk or cream. However, since skim milk and plant-based milk have a high water content, use the water conversion for them.
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How many grams are in the U.S. cup?
Since grams can be used to measure both solid and liquid ingredients, both types of ingredients can also be measured in a cup. However, while liquid ingredients are always the same weight in grams, solid and dry ingredients are not.
Remember that grams are a measurement of weight or mass. The weight of dry ingredients varies quite a bit from one food to another.
For example, the density of white sugar, brown sugar, and powdered sugar are all different. Therefore, the grams-to-cup conversions are different for each one.
Moreover, how much you can fit in a cup will vary from food to food. This will also impact the conversion rate.
Here are some of the most common foods that you may need to convert from grams into cups.
| Ingredient | Grams (g) | US Cups |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa Powder | 100 g | 1 cup |
| Flour | 125 g | 1 cup |
| White Granulated Sugar | 200 g | 1 cup |
| Brown Sugar | 220 g | 1 cup |
| Powdered Sugar | 120 g | 1 cup |
| Butter | 227 g | 1 cup |
| Honey | 340 g | 1 cup |
How Many Grams in the UK (Imperial) Cup?
| Ingredient | Grams (g) | Imperial Cup |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa Powder | 140 g | 1 cup |
| Flour | 175 g | 1 cup |
| White Granulated Sugar | 280 g | 1 cup |
| Brown Sugar | 308 g | 1 cup |
| Powdered Sugar | 168 g | 1 cup |
| Butter | 318 g | 1 cup |
| Honey | 477 g | 1 cup |
How Many Grams in a Metric Cup?
| Ingredient | Grams (g) | Metric Cup |
|---|---|---|
| Cocoa Powder | 118 g | 1 cup |
| Flour | 148 g | 1 cup |
| White Granulated Sugar | 237 g | 1 cup |
| Brown Sugar | 260 g | 1 cup |
| Powdered Sugar | 142 g | 1 cup |
| Butter | 269 g | 1 cup |
| Honey | 403 g | 1 cup |
Can You Measure Grams with a Scale?
Yes! Using a scale is the best way to measure grams. Especially for dry goods.
If you have a food scale, use that to measure your grams. This will always give you the most exact measurement.
However, if you don’t have a scale, just grab your measuring cups! You will still get the right measurement by using the conversion scales above.
I hope you feel confident in converting from grams to cups and vice versa. Drop a comment below if you would like to see more informational posts like this one.
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Chrissy T says
Useful conversion, thank you! Yay, I learned a ton!!!
Cecilia Huether says
Thank you, I'm trying to make sourdough bread and no luck yet. Measurements are in grams for recipe. Would be so grateful if I can get measurements correct 🥰