How much is 1 cup of granulated sugar in grams?

Granulated sugar is a common baking ingredient used to sweeten foods like cookies, cakes, muffins, and more. When following a recipe, sugar is often measured out in volumetric measurements like cups or tablespoons rather than weighed out in grams. However, for the most accurate and consistent results in baking, weighing out dry ingredients like sugar is recommended. So how much does 1 cup of granulated sugar weigh in grams?

Quick Answer

1 cup of granulated sugar weighs approximately 200 grams. This conversion applies to plain white granulated cane sugar. Other types of sugar like brown sugar or confectioner’s sugar may have a slightly different weight per cup.

Measuring Granulated Sugar by Volume vs. Weight

There are two main ways to measure out granulated sugar when baking – by volume using cups or spoons, or by weight in grams using a kitchen scale. Volume measurements like cups are handy because most recipes specify ingredient amounts in cups, tablespoons, teaspoons, etc. But volume can vary based on things like the size of the granules, how settled or compacted the sugar is, and the accuracy of your measuring cups. Measuring by weight removes this variability and provides more precise and consistent measurements every time.

Pros and Cons of Volume Measurements

Pros:

  • Easy to measure – no scale required
  • Common way sugar amounts are specified in recipes
  • Can use typical kitchen measuring tools like cups and spoons

Cons:

  • Measurements can vary each time depending on granule size, settling, how you level off or scoop the sugar, etc.
  • Not an exact science – volume measures are less precise than weight
  • Packing or scooping can compress sugar and affect volume
  • Measuring inaccuracies can lead to baking failures

Pros and Cons of Weight Measurements

Pros:

  • Provides very precise, consistent measurements
  • Accuracy is not affected by granule size, settling, etc.
  • Essential for consistent results in baking recipes

Cons:

  • Requires a kitchen scale
  • Measuring in grams may not match recipe instructions
  • Takes slightly more time than volume measuring

Overall, while volume measurements with cups or spoons are more convenient, weighing ingredients provides the most accuracy and precision for baking.even a small variance of 10 or 20 grams can make a difference in how a recipe turns out.

Factors Affecting Volume Measurements

There are a few key factors that can affect the accuracy and consistency of volumetric measurements like cups when measuring granulated sugar:

Settling and Compaction

Granulated sugar naturally settles and compacts in the container or bag it is stored in. As a result, using the scoop-and-sweep method to measure sugar can compact it further and affect the volume. Likewise, if you dip the measuring cup straight into the sugar bag, the sugar will likely be more compacted than if you spoon it lightly into the cup. Settling and compaction effectively reduces the volume in a given cup or spoonful.

Granule Size

Granulated sugar comes in different granule sizes which can also impact volume measurements. Sugar with larger granules takes up more volume in a measuring cup than finely granulated sugar for the same weight. So sugar with larger granules could skew volume measurements.

How It’s Leveled

When using the scoop-and-sweep method to measure granulated sugar, how you level off the top with a straight edge like the back of a butter knife can compress the sugar to some degree, affecting the volume. More aggressive leveling or shaking can further compact the sugar compared to gently sweeping off the excess.

Measuring Tool Accuracy

Not all measuring cups or spoons are created equal when it comes to accuracy. How precisely calibrated your specific measuring tools are can introduce variation in the stated volume amounts. Worn or dented cups and spoons also impact the accuracy.

Humidity/Moisture Content

Since sugar is hygroscopic and absorbs ambient moisture, the humidity or moisture content in the air can make granulated sugar denser in the cup. Drier sugar takes up more volume for the same weight while sugar that has absorbed some moisture takes up less volume.

How Much Does 1 Cup of Sugar Weigh? The 200 Gram Approximation

As a general rule of thumb, 1 cup of plain granulated white cane sugar weighs approximately 7 ounces or 200 grams on average. However, you may see a range of 180 to 220 grams due to the factors above that affect volume measurements. Still, most commonly you can expect right around 200 grams of sugar per 1 cup volume.

This approximation applies specifically to plain granulated cane sugar, sometimes labeled as “white sugar” or “table sugar”. Other varieties like brown sugar, confectioners’ sugar, or coarse sugar may diverge slightly from this 200 gram per cup estimate due to differences in density and granule size.

Weight Ranges for 1 Cup of Sugar

– Fine granulated – 190-210 grams
– Regular granulated – 190-210 grams
– Extra fine granulated – 170-190 grams
– Coarse “sandbox” granulated – 210-230 grams

So while there is some variability among types, 200 grams or ~7 oz is a safe standard approximation for one cup of plain white granulated cane sugar regardless of brand.

Weight Equivalents for Common U.S. Volume Measures

For convenient reference, here are the weight equivalents in grams and ounces for some of the most frequently used U.S. volumetric measures for granulated sugar:

1 Cup of Sugar in Grams and Ounces

– Grams: 200g
– Ounces: 7oz

1 Tablespoon of Sugar in Grams and Ounces

– Grams: 12g
– Ounces: 0.4oz

1 Teaspoon of Sugar in Grams and Ounces

– Grams: 4g
– Ounces: 0.14oz

So in summary:

– 1 Cup = 200g = 7oz
– 1 Tablespoon = 12g = 0.4oz
– 1 Teaspoon = 4g = 0.14oz

Weight Equivalencies for Other Common Baking Ingredients

For comparison, here are the approximate gram weights for 1 cup volumes of some other common baking ingredients:

– All-purpose flour: 125g
– Whole wheat flour: 120g
– Brown sugar: 220g
– Confectioners’ sugar: 120g
– Butter, softened: 225g
– Granulated white sugar: 200g

As you can see, granulated white sugar weighs slightly less than a cup of brown sugar for example, and more than a cup of all-purpose flour. So you cannot reliably substitute gram weights evenly across different ingredients when baking. This is why weighing each individual ingredient with a kitchen scale is the most precise method.

Using a Kitchen Scale for Precision

For the most accurate and consistent results, always weigh granulated sugar and other baking ingredients on a digital kitchen scale for recipes. To use a scale:

1. Place the mixing bowl or other container you want to measure the ingredient into on the scale.

2. Press the “Tare” or “Zero” button to reset the displayed weight to zero.

3. Slowly add sugar straight from the bag or container until you reach the target weight needed for the recipe.

4. Avoid tapping or shaking the container as this can compress the sugar and alter the weight.

5. Check that the weight matches what the recipe calls for.

By using a kitchen scale to weigh out all dry and wet ingredients to the precise gram, you remove all the variability that volume measurements can introduce. This level of accuracy is vital for baking consistent, high quality results every time across recipes.

Recommended Kitchen Scales

Any digital kitchen scale that measures in standard grams and ounces will work well for weighing sugar. Look for ones with:

– Accuracy of at least +/- 1-2 grams
– A minimum capacity of at least 2-5 pounds
– A tare/zero function to reset the weight
– An easy-to-read digital display

Some top-rated affordable scale options include:

– OXO Good Grips Food Scale
– Greater Goods Digital Food Scale
– Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Food Scale
– Escali Primo Digital Scale

Investing in a quality kitchen scale is essential for accuracy, precision, and consistency when baking. Taking the small extra time to weigh ingredients ultimately means better results.

Tips for Measuring Sugar by Volume

When measuring granulated sugar by volume rather than weight, follow these tips for best results:

– Use dry measuring cups (not liquid ones) that are designed for measuring dry goods like sugar, flour, etc.

– Spoon sugar lightly into a dry measuring cup, then level off gently with a straight edge, avoiding excess compaction. Don’t scoop directly from the sugar bag.

– Use stainless steel or plastic cups rather than glass, which can acquire a static charge causing sugar to stick to the sides.

– Fluff up the sugar in the container or bag first to break up any compaction before measuring.

– Measure over a sheet of paper or directly into the mixing bowl to catch any excess rather than tapping to remove it.

– Measure precisely level amounts – no rounding up or heaping spoonfuls.

– Check the accuracy of your measuring tools.

– Avoid humidity/moisture which can compact the sugar over time. Store sugar in a sealed container if not using frequently.

Even when meticulously measured, volume measures can’t match the precision of weight measures. But these tips will ensure you get as close as possible when measuring sugar by cups or spoons rather than weighing it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does weighing sugar give more consistent results than measuring by volume?

Weight measurements remove all the variability inherent to volume measuring. Factors like granule size, settling, compaction, leveling, tool accuracy, and moisture content can alter the volume of sugar for a given weight. With a precise weight measure in grams, these inaccuracies are eliminated.

Can you substitute weight for volume when following recipes?

It’s best not to substitute weight for volume or vice versa in baking recipes, as ingredient densities can vary. A cup of flour does not weigh the same as a cup of sugar, for example. For the most consistent results, follow the ingredient amounts as specified in each recipe.

How much does 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar weigh compared to granulated sugar?

Confectioners’ sugar is lighter and fluffier than granulated. 1 cup of sifted confectioners’ sugar weighs around 120 grams compared to the 200 grams in 1 cup of granulated sugar. The small granule size gives confectioners’ sugar a lower density.

Should you measure brown sugar the same as granulated white sugar?

Brown sugar has a higher moisture content than dry white sugar which affects its density. 1 cup of firmly packed brown sugar weighs around 220 grams – more than granulated white sugar at 200 grams per cup. Always measure brown sugar packed firmly into the cup.

Can you measure sugar by weight in grams if the recipe only gives volumes?

Yes, you can measure out sugar or other ingredients by weight instead of volume if the recipe doesn’t provide weights. Just reference a conversion chart for the equivalent gram weight of each volume called for. This will give you more accurate results.

Conclusion

When baking, granulated sugar is most often measured out by volume in cups, tablespoons, or teaspoons. However, for ultimate precision and accuracy, weighing sugar and other dry ingredients in grams using a digital kitchen scale is recommended. This eliminates the variability and inconsistencies that can occur with volume measures of sugar. As a useful reference, 1 cup of plain granulated white cane sugar weighs approximately 7 ounces or 200 grams on average. But other factors like granule size, compaction, leveling, and humidity means most cups of sugar range from 180-220 grams in reality. Following a few best practices when volume measuring and investing in an affordable kitchen scale can go a long way towards improving the consistency and quality of your baked goods. Precision matters, so the next time a recipe calls for “1 cup of sugar”, consider reaching for the scale instead and measuring out an exact 200 grams for sweet success.

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