How much does 1 2 cup butter weigh?

Butter is a staple ingredient in many recipes. It adds richness, moisture and flavor to baked goods, sauces, side dishes and more. When following a recipe, you’ll often see butter called for in measurements like sticks, tablespoons or cups. While sticks and tablespoons provide an exact measurement, cup measurements can vary depending on if you’re using solid butter or melted butter.

So how much does 1⁄2 cup of butter weigh? Here’s a breakdown of how much 1⁄2 cup of butter weighs in different forms:

Table of Contents

1⁄2 Cup Solid Butter

1⁄2 cup of solid, stick butter weighs:

4 ounces
113 grams
1⁄4 pound

Most butter recipes call for solid, stick butter. One stick of butter equals 1⁄2 cup or 8 tablespoons. So if a recipe calls for 1⁄2 cup butter, you would use 1 stick.

1⁄2 Cup Melted Butter

1⁄2 cup of melted butter weighs slightly less than solid butter:

3.5 ounces

100 grams

When butter is melted, it loses some volume. So 1⁄2 cup melted butter will weigh around 3.5 ounces rather than the full 4 ounces of solid butter.

1⁄2 Cup Whipped Butter

Whipped butter, often used in frostings and spreads, weighs:

3 ounces
85 grams

Whipping incorporates air into butter, making it lighter and fluffier. So 1⁄2 cup whipped butter weighs even less than melted butter.

Butter Conversion Chart

Here is a handy chart showing butter measurements converted to grams and ounces:

Butter Amount	Grams	Ounces
1⁄2 cup solid butter	113g	4oz
1⁄2 cup melted butter	100g	3.5oz
1⁄2 cup whipped butter	85g	3oz
1 stick butter	113g	4oz
2 sticks butter	226g	8oz (1 cup)
1 tablespoon butter	14g	0.5oz

Tips for Measuring Butter

Here are some tips for getting accurate butter measurements:

Use sticks of cold butter for measuring out solid butter. Cold butter is easier to cut into tablespoons or cups than soft butter.

Pack butter firmly when measuring cups to get the full 4 ounces. Don’t let empty air pockets skew the measurements.
Use a glass measuring cup rather than a traditional cup measure. The clear sides make it easier to level off the butter.
Opt for weight measurements if possible. A kitchen scale takes the guesswork out of measurements.

Melt butter fully if measuring melted butter. Melted butter should be clear yellow with no solid bits.
Whip butter thoroughly if making whipped butter. It should double in volume and become light and fluffy.

Common Butter Substitutes

In some cases, you may need or want to use a butter substitute. Here are some common butter subs and how they compare to 1⁄2 cup butter:

Olive Oil

As a general rule, use 3⁄4 cup olive oil to replace 1⁄2 cup butter. Olive oil weighs a bit less than butter. 3⁄4 cup olive oil weighs:

6 ounces
170 grams

Coconut Oil

Use a 1:1 ratio to substitute melted coconut oil for melted butter. The weights are nearly identical. 1⁄2 cup coconut oil weighs:

4 ounces
112 grams

Shortening

Use an equal amount of vegetable or non-hydrogenated shortening in place of butter. 1⁄2 cup shortening weighs:

approximately 4 ounces
110 grams

Applesauce

For baking, use 1⁄4 cup applesauce to replace 1⁄2 cup butter. The texture won’t be quite the same, but it works in a pinch. 1⁄4 cup applesauce weighs:

2 ounces
60 grams

Butter Weight in Batters and Doughs

When making baked goods like cakes, cookies and pastries, butter weighs down the batter or dough. Using the proper amount ensures the recipe turns out as intended.

Here are some common butter quantities in baked good recipes:

Cakes: Between 1⁄2 cup to 1 cup butter, depending on recipe

Cookies: Between 1⁄4 cup to 1⁄2 cup butter per batch
Pie Crust: Typically 1⁄2 cup butter for single crust pie
Pastry Dough: Around 1 cup butter combined with 1 to 1 1⁄2 cups flour

Bread: Anywhere from 1 to 3 tablespoons butter total

Vegan baking uses non-dairy subs like coconut oil, vegan butter or shortening in similar weights.

Butter Weight in Sauces and Dishes

Besides baking, butter is used to thicken and add flavor to savory sauces and side dishes.

Here are some examples of how much butter is used in popular recipes:

Alfredo Sauce: 2 to 3 tablespoons butter
Hollandaise Sauce: 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 cup butter

Beurre Blanc: Up to 1⁄2 cup butter
Mashed Potatoes: 3 to 4 tablespoons butter
Rice Pilaf: 1 to 2 tablespoons butter

Creamed Spinach: 2 to 3 tablespoons butter

When making sauces, it helps to know that a thinner sauce uses about 2 tablespoons butter per cup of liquid, while a thicker, more indulgent sauce uses around 5 tablespoons butter per cup.

Butter Weight in Grams

The gram weight of butter is a helpful reference, especially when baking by weight instead of volume.

Here are some common butter measurements converted to grams:

1 cup butter = 226 grams
1⁄2 cup butter = 113 grams

1⁄4 cup butter = 57 grams
4 tablespoons butter = 56 grams
1 tablespoon butter = 14 grams

1 teaspoon butter = 5 grams

European recipes are often listed in grams. So knowing the gram weight of butter makes it easy to adapt recipes.

Metric Butter Conversion

For worldwide recipe conversion, use the following metrics:

226 grams butter = 1 cup
113 grams butter = 1⁄2 cup
57 grams butter = 1⁄4 cup

28 grams butter = 2 tablespoons
15 grams butter = 1 tablespoon
5 grams butter = 1 teaspoon

Does Butter Weight Change with Volume?

Butter is easily compressed, so you can pack it into a measuring cup to change the volume. But the weight will remain the same. For example:

1 loosely packed cup of butter weighs 226 grams

1 firmly packed cup of butter weighs 226 grams

The firmer packing just eliminates some of the air pockets. So while the volume changes, the weight stays the same.

Why Butter Weight Matters

Getting an accurate butter measurement is important for both taste and texture in cooking and baking. Here’s why butter weight matters:

Flavor – Butter provides a rich, creamy flavor. Too much can be overpowering, while too little may make a dish bland.

Moisture – The high fat content in butter keeps baked goods tender and moist. Too little butter can make them dry.
Texture – Butter creates a smooth, creamy texture. Varying the amount changes the mouthfeel.
Appearance – Butter contributes to the golden color of baked items and gives glossy sauces.

Fat Content – Butter adds fat to carry flavor. Trimming the butter will lower calories and fat.

By weighing butter accurately, you can achieve ideal moisture, richness and texture in any recipe.

Tips for Cooking and Baking with Butter

Here are some top tips for incorporating the perfect amount of butter into recipes:

Use room temperature or melted butter in baking recipes for even distribution.
Cut cold butter into small pieces for pie dough and biscuits to prevent overmixing.
Reduce butter up to half in cookies, cakes and muffins to lower fat and calories.

Add a couple extra tablespoons of butter to box mixes or refrigerated doughs for extra richness.
Brush melted butter on breads before baking for a crisp, golden crust.
Sauté vegetables in 1 to 2 tablespoons butter to add depth of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does melted butter weigh less than solid butter?

Melting separates the milk fats in butter, causing it to lose some volume. A cup of solid butter has slight air pockets that collapse when melted.

Can I use salted and unsalted butter interchangeably?

You can, but it may alter the flavor and saltiness of a recipe. For baking, it’s best to use what the recipe calls for.

What’s the difference between sweet cream butter and regular butter?

Sweet cream butter doesn’t undergo as much processing and has a slightly higher butterfat content, giving it a richer flavor.

Is whipped butter lighter than regular butter?

Yes, whipping adds air which lightens the texture. Whipped butter weighs less than the same volume of solid or melted butter.

Can you bake with coconut oil instead of butter?

Yes, coconut oil can replace butter or oils in baked goods. Use the same amount melted coconut oil as the melted butter.

Key Takeaways

One-half cup of solid butter equals 4 ounces or 113 grams.

Melted and whipped butter weigh slightly less than solid butter.
Butter contributes moisture, richness and flavor to recipes.
Weighing butter provides the most consistent measurements for baking.

Butter can be replaced with oils or other fats in similar weights.

Conclusion

Knowing exactly how much 1⁄2 cup of butter weighs is valuable for both cooking and baking. Solid butter provides more richness than melted or whipped, while cutting the butter amount can reduce fat and calories. By mastering butter measurements, you can adjust the moisture, flavor and texture in all kinds of dishes.