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Formula used
Density connects volume with mass. Different ingredients fill equal cups differently. Accurate weighing gives the most consistent kitchen results.
How to use this calculator
- Select cups to grams or grams to cups.
- Choose an ingredient and cup standard.
- Enter the amount and optional cup fraction.
- Apply relevant packing, sifting, butter, or cup adjustments.
- Set original and target servings for recipe scaling.
- Choose precision and practical rounding preferences.
- Calculate, then copy, print, or download the result.
Cup standard comparison
| Cup standard | Volume | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| US customary | 236.588 mL | Many US recipes |
| US legal | 240 mL | Nutrition labeling |
| Metric | 250 mL | Australia and metric recipes |
| Imperial | 284.131 mL | Older British measurements |
| Japanese | 200 mL | Traditional Japanese recipes |
Example ingredient conversions
These examples use one US customary cup. Values are approximate kitchen estimates. Brand and measuring technique can change each result.
| Ingredient | Approximate grams | Approximate ounces |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 125 g | 4.41 oz |
| Granulated sugar | 200 g | 7.05 oz |
| Butter | 227 g | 8.01 oz |
| Milk | 244 g | 8.61 oz |
| Honey | 336 g | 11.85 oz |
| Rolled oats | 90 g | 3.17 oz |
Ingredient density reference
| Ingredient | Density used | Approximate grams per US cup |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 0.529 g/mL | 125 g |
| Bread flour | 0.550 g/mL | 130 g |
| Whole-wheat flour | 0.508 g/mL | 120 g |
| Granulated sugar | 0.845 g/mL | 200 g |
| Brown sugar | 0.930 g/mL | 220 g |
| Powdered sugar | 0.480 g/mL | 114 g |
| Butter | 0.959 g/mL | 227 g |
| Milk | 1.030 g/mL | 244 g |
| Water | 1.000 g/mL | 237 g |
| Cooking oil | 0.920 g/mL | 218 g |
| Honey | 1.420 g/mL | 336 g |
| Uncooked rice | 0.790 g/mL | 187 g |
| Rolled oats | 0.380 g/mL | 90 g |
| Cocoa powder | 0.420 g/mL | 99 g |
| Cornstarch | 0.540 g/mL | 128 g |
| Table salt | 1.217 g/mL | 288 g |
| Yogurt | 1.040 g/mL | 246 g |
| Heavy cream | 0.994 g/mL | 235 g |
| Peanut butter | 1.090 g/mL | 258 g |
| Chocolate chips | 0.720 g/mL | 170 g |
| Grated cheese | 0.480 g/mL | 114 g |
Frequently asked questions
1. Why do cups convert differently for each ingredient?
Each ingredient has a different density. One cup measures volume, not weight. Density determines how many grams fill that volume.
2. Which cup standard should I select?
Use the standard named by your recipe. US recipes often use customary cups. Metric recipes commonly use a 250-milliliter cup.
3. Are the results exact?
The calculations follow stored density values. Real ingredients vary by brand and moisture. A kitchen scale gives better repeatable measurements.
4. Can I convert grams back to cups?
Yes, select grams to cups. Enter the ingredient weight in grams. The calculator returns decimal and fractional cup estimates.
5. What does packed mean?
Packing compresses an ingredient inside the cup. More material occupies the same measured volume. The calculator applies an approximate packing factor.
6. Why does sifting reduce the result?
Sifting introduces air between fine particles. The same cup then contains less material. This tool applies sifting only to powders.
7. How does recipe scaling work?
Enter original and target serving counts. The calculator creates a serving scale factor. Every converted amount follows that recipe adjustment.
8. Can I use a custom ingredient?
Choose custom ingredient from the list. Enter density using the available units. The tool converts that density automatically for calculations.
9. Should I use level or heaped cups?
Recipes normally assume level measuring cups. Heaped cups contain extra material above the rim. Choose heaped only when your recipe specifies it.
10. Why do butter states change weight?
Melted butter settles differently inside a cup. Air pockets and measuring technique can change volume. The modifier provides a practical approximation only.
11. Can I download my calculation?
Use the CSV or PDF buttons. You can also print the result directly. Recent conversions remain stored inside your browser.