Sugar Measurement Converter
Sugar measurements in cooking and baking require careful conversion because different sugar types have different densities. This calculator uses granulated white sugar, the most common sugar in recipes. One cup of granulated white sugar weighs approximately 200 grams, compared to 120 grams for flour and 113.4 grams for butter. Other sugar types differ: powdered sugar is lighter (120g per cup), brown sugar is denser (220g per cup when packed), and specialty sugars like muscovado and turbinado have their own densities. Converting between cups, tablespoons, teaspoons, grams, ounces, pounds, and kilograms is essential for adapting recipes and translating between measurement systems. Weight measurements are always more accurate and consistent than volume measurements. This calculator uses the standard approximation of 200 grams per cup for granulated white sugar.
Granulated white sugar conversion factors
All conversions below use standard granulated white sugar measurements. Different sugar types have different densities. All units expressed relative to grams (g).
| Unit | Symbol | Grams (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Cup | cup | 200 |
| Tablespoon | tbsp | 12.5 |
| Teaspoon | tsp | 4.167 |
| Gram | g | 1 |
| Ounce | oz | 28.349523 |
| Kilogram | kg | 1,000 |
| Pound | lb | 453.59237 |
Note: These measurements are for granulated white sugar. Powdered sugar: 120g/cup. Brown sugar (packed): 220g/cup. Other varieties vary.
Sugar measurement converter: frequently asked questions
Why is sugar measurement different from flour?
Sugar has different density than flour. One cup of granulated white sugar weighs approximately 200 grams, while one cup of all-purpose flour weighs only 120 grams. Different sugar types have different densities: powdered sugar (confectioners sugar) is lighter, brown sugar is denser, and muscovado sugar is even denser. Always check the specific sugar type in your recipe.
What is the difference between types of sugar?
Granulated white sugar (the most common): 1 cup = 200g. Powdered sugar (confectioners sugar): 1 cup = 120g. Brown sugar (packed): 1 cup = 220g. Muscovado sugar (packed): 1 cup = 220g. Raw or Demerara sugar: 1 cup = 200g. Turbinado sugar: 1 cup = 190g. This calculator uses granulated white sugar.
How much does 1 cup of granulated sugar weigh?
One cup of granulated white sugar weighs approximately 200 grams (7.05 ounces). This is more than flour (120g) but less than some other ingredients. Always confirm the sugar type, as different varieties have different densities.
Should I pack sugar into the measuring cup?
Granulated white sugar should not be packed; simply scoop level. Brown and muscovado sugars are often packed to remove air pockets, which changes their volume and weight. Follow your recipe's instructions. For consistency, weight measurements are preferable.
Can I substitute one sugar type for another?
You can usually substitute granulated white sugar for other sugars by weight, but the recipe result may differ slightly in flavor and texture. Brown sugar adds moisture and molasses flavor; powdered sugar has additives and is finer; muscovado sugar is very moist. When substituting, use weight measurements and understand how the different sugar type affects the recipe.
Official sources
- USDA FoodData Central: United States Department of Agriculture.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.