Grams to Cups: Shortening
If your recipe is written in cups but your scale reads grams — or the other way round — this page solves the conversion for shortening. One cup of shortening weighs about 205 grams, which works out to a density of 0.87 g/ml. From there, half a cup is roughly 103 g, a quarter cup about 51 g, and one tablespoon about 13 g.
Converting between weight and volume depends on density, and density is specific to each ingredient: a cup of shortening does not weigh the same as a cup of flour or sugar. That is why this tool uses the measured density of shortening, taken from the USDA FoodData Central database, rather than a one-size-fits-all figure.
Cooking measurement converter — Shortening
Result
0.488 cups
Common measures — Shortening
| Measure | Grams |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | 205 g |
| ¾ cup | 154 g |
| ½ cup | 103 g |
| ⅓ cup | 68 g |
| ¼ cup | 51 g |
| 1 tbsp | 13 g |
| 1 tsp | 4.3 g |
Data source: USDA FoodData Central
How to measure shortening accurately
Measure shortening in a clear liquid measuring cup on a flat surface and read the line at eye level; looking from above is misleading because of surface tension. For solid fats like butter, use the markings on the wrapper or the water-displacement method.
When you need maximum accuracy, weigh the liquid in grams — a scale is more exact than any cup.
Frequently asked questions
How many grams are in a cup of shortening?
One cup of shortening weighs about 205 grams. Half a cup is roughly 103 grams and a quarter cup about 51 grams.
How many cups is 100 grams of shortening?
100 grams of shortening is about 0.49 cups. Use the calculator above for any other amount.
Where does this value come from?
From the ingredient's measured density (0.87 g/ml), referenced to the USDA FoodData Central database. Bear in mind the real weight can vary slightly with brand and moisture.
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