# How do I convert cups to grams?

Converts cups to grams and back for a baking ingredient, with USDA weights for one level US cup.

- Page: https://www.acalculator.org/convert/cups-to-grams
- JSON spec: https://www.acalculator.org/convert/cups-to-grams.json
- Version: 5630707bde9f

## Default answer

Example with the default inputs (Cups (cup) 1, Ingredient All-purpose flour (125 g per cup)): 1 cup = 125 g.

## Inputs

| Key | Label | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| value | Cups (cup) | The amount in cups to convert. |
| result | Grams (g) | The same amount in grams. |
| ingredient | Ingredient | What you are measuring. A cup of flour weighs less than a cup of sugar. |

## Outputs

| Key | Label | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| value | Cups (cup) | The amount in cups to convert. |
| result | Grams (g) | The amount in grams. |

## Method

grams = cups × grams per cup, where grams per cup depends on the ingredient (all-purpose flour: 125 g).

## Assumptions

- Grams per cup are USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy) portion weights for one level US cup (8 US fluid ounces): all-purpose flour 125 g (FDC 168894), granulated sugar 200 g (FDC 169655), brown sugar, packed 220 g (FDC 168833), powdered sugar, unsifted 120 g (FDC 169656).
- How you fill the cup changes the weight: packed, sifted, or scooped flour can differ by 20% or more.
- The answer shows at most 6 decimal places; the calculation keeps full precision.

## Worked examples

1. value = 1, ingredient = flour gives result = 125. Source: USDA FoodData Central SR Legacy 168894: 1 cup = 125 g.
2. value = 2, ingredient = sugar gives result = 400. Source: USDA FoodData Central SR Legacy 169655: 1 cup = 200 g.

## FAQ

### How many grams are in a cup?

It depends on the ingredient, because a cup measures volume and a gram measures weight. One level US cup weighs: all-purpose flour 125 g, granulated sugar 200 g, brown sugar, packed 220 g, powdered sugar, unsifted 120 g (USDA).

### How do I convert cups to grams?

grams = cups × grams per cup, where grams per cup depends on the ingredient (all-purpose flour: 125 g). For example, 2 cups of all-purpose flour is 2 × 125 = 250 g.

### Why does my cup of flour weigh a different amount?

Flour packs down. Spooned and levelled flour weighs about 125 g a cup, but a scooped or packed cup can weigh 20% more. For baking, weighing is more accurate than measuring by volume.

## Sources

- USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy portion weights for 1 cup: FDC 168894 all-purpose flour 125 g; FDC 169655 granulated sugar 200 g; FDC 168833 brown sugar, packed 220 g; FDC 169656 powdered sugar, unsifted 120 g. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/
- NIST SP 811 (2008), Guide for the Use of the International System of Units, Appendix B.8. https://www.nist.gov/pml/special-publication-811