Flour Measurement Converter
Flour measurements vary significantly between volume and weight units. One cup of all-purpose flour weighs approximately 120 grams when lightly spooned and leveled, though this varies with moisture content, packing density, and sifting. Bakers and recipe developers increasingly prefer weight measurements (grams, ounces) because they are more accurate and consistent than volume measurements (cups, tablespoons). A recipe using weight measurements will produce more consistent results across different kitchens and conditions. However, most home recipes and printed cookbooks still use volume measurements. Converting between cups, tablespoons, teaspoons, grams, ounces, and kilograms is essential for adapting recipes or translating between metric and US customary baking instructions. This calculator uses the standard approximation of 120 grams per cup for all-purpose flour. Actual weight may vary by 10-15 grams depending on the flour brand and how it is measured. For maximum accuracy in baking, consider weighing flour on a kitchen scale.
All-purpose flour conversion factors
All conversions below use standard all-purpose flour measurements, assuming lightly spooned flour. Actual values vary slightly with flour brand and moisture content. All units expressed relative to grams (g).
| Unit | Symbol | Grams (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Cup | cup | 120 |
| Tablespoon | tbsp | 7.5 |
| Teaspoon | tsp | 2.5 |
| Gram | g | 1 |
| Ounce | oz | 28.349523 |
| Kilogram | kg | 1,000 |
Note: These measurements are for all-purpose flour. Other flour types (bread flour, cake flour, whole wheat) may have different densities and weights per cup.
Flour measurement converter: frequently asked questions
Why do flour measurements vary?
Flour density depends on how it is packed, sifted, or stored. One cup of lightly spooned flour weighs less than one cup of firmly packed flour. Humidity also affects flour weight. All-purpose flour measured at standard conditions is approximately 120 grams per cup, but this can vary by 10-15 grams. Weight measurements are more reliable than volume.
How much does 1 cup of all-purpose flour weigh?
One cup of all-purpose flour, lightly spooned and leveled, weighs approximately 120 grams (4.23 ounces). This varies slightly based on moisture content and packing. Professional bakers use weight (grams) for precision. This calculator uses 120g as the standard.
Should I sift flour before measuring?
Sifting flour affects its volume but not its weight. One cup of sifted flour weighs slightly less than one cup of unsifted flour because sifting aerates it, making it less dense. If a recipe specifies sifted flour, sift before measuring. Modern all-purpose flour is pre-sifted, so most home recipes don't require additional sifting.
How do I measure flour accurately?
The most accurate method is weighing flour on a kitchen scale in grams. If measuring by volume, spoon flour into a measuring cup and level with a knife, then divide into teaspoons or tablespoons. Never pack flour into the cup unless the recipe specifies compacted flour. Weight measurements are preferred by professional bakers.
Why is flour measurement so important in baking?
Flour is the primary ingredient in most baked goods and affects their structure, texture, and moisture. Too much flour makes baked goods dry and dense. Too little makes them collapse or become gummy. Weight measurements eliminate the ambiguity of volume measurements and improve consistency and repeatability.
Official sources
- USDA Commodity Acquisition Characteristics: United States Department of Agriculture.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.