Grams to Cups: Granulated Sugar
If your recipe is written in cups but your scale reads grams — or the other way round — this page solves the conversion for granulated sugar. One cup of granulated sugar weighs about 200 grams, which works out to a density of 0.85 g/ml. From there, half a cup is roughly 100 g, a quarter cup about 50 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 granulated sugar does not weigh the same as a cup of flour or sugar. That is why this tool uses the measured density of granulated sugar, taken from the USDA FoodData Central database, rather than a one-size-fits-all figure.
Cooking measurement converter — Granulated Sugar
Result
0.5 cups
Common measures — Granulated Sugar
| Measure | Grams |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | 200 g |
| ¾ cup | 150 g |
| ½ cup | 100 g |
| ⅓ cup | 67 g |
| ¼ cup | 50 g |
| 1 tbsp | 13 g |
| 1 tsp | 4.2 g |
Data source: USDA FoodData Central
How to measure granulated sugar accurately
For granulated sugar, spoon or pour it into the cup and level the top. Brown sugar is the exception — pack it down firmly into the cup unless the recipe says otherwise, because it traps air and would otherwise come up short on weight.
Weighing in grams removes any doubt about how firmly the sugar is packed, which is especially helpful in delicate recipes.
Frequently asked questions
How many grams are in a cup of granulated sugar?
One cup of granulated sugar weighs about 200 grams. Half a cup is roughly 100 grams and a quarter cup about 50 grams.
How many cups is 100 grams of granulated sugar?
100 grams of granulated sugar is about 0.50 cups. Use the calculator above for any other amount.
Where does this value come from?
From the ingredient's measured density (0.85 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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