Baking Conversion Calculator
Convert between cups, grams, ounces, and tablespoons for common baking ingredients. Each ingredient uses its actual density for accurate results — because a cup of flour and a cup of sugar weigh very different amounts.
Quick Reference: Common Baking Conversions
| Ingredient | 1 Cup (grams) | 1 Cup (oz) | 1 Tbsp (grams) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 120 g | 4.25 oz | 7.5 g |
| Bread Flour | 130 g | 4.6 oz | 8.1 g |
| Cake Flour | 114 g | 4.0 oz | 7.1 g |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 128 g | 4.5 oz | 8.0 g |
| Granulated Sugar | 200 g | 7.1 oz | 12.5 g |
| Brown Sugar (packed) | 220 g | 7.75 oz | 13.8 g |
| Powdered Sugar | 120 g | 4.25 oz | 7.5 g |
| Butter | 227 g | 8.0 oz | 14.2 g |
| Cocoa Powder | 85 g | 3.0 oz | 5.3 g |
| Honey | 336 g | 11.85 oz | 21.0 g |
| Milk (whole) | 245 g | 8.6 oz | 15.3 g |
| Rolled Oats | 80 g | 2.8 oz | 5.0 g |
| Chocolate Chips | 170 g | 6.0 oz | 10.6 g |
| Peanut Butter | 125 g | 4.4 oz | 7.8 g |
| Cornstarch | 180 g | 6.35 oz | 11.25 g |
Why Weight Matters in Baking
Unlike cooking, baking is a science where precise measurements make the difference between success and failure. Here is why weight-based measurements are preferred by professional bakers:
- Consistency: A cup of flour can vary from 100g to 150g depending on how it is scooped. Weighing eliminates this variation.
- Accuracy: Small amounts of leaveners (baking powder, baking soda) are critical. A tablespoon off can ruin a batch.
- Scaling recipes: Doubling or halving recipes by weight is straightforward math with no rounding errors.
- International recipes: Most European and professional recipes use grams. Converting lets you follow any recipe.
Tips for Measuring Flour by Volume
If you must use cups instead of a scale, follow the spoon-and-level method:
- Fluff the flour in its container with a spoon
- Spoon flour into the measuring cup (do not scoop directly)
- Level off the top with a straight edge
This method yields roughly 120g per cup. Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour and can give you up to 150g per cup — enough extra to make baked goods dense and dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grams is 1 cup of flour?
One cup of all-purpose flour weighs approximately 120 grams (4.25 ounces). However, this varies by flour type: bread flour is about 130g per cup, cake flour is about 114g per cup, and whole wheat flour is about 128g per cup. For best results, use the spoon-and-level method when measuring.
Why do baking conversions differ by ingredient?
Each ingredient has a different density. A cup of sugar (200g) weighs nearly twice as much as a cup of flour (120g) because sugar granules pack more tightly. This is why converting by volume (cups) to weight (grams) requires knowing the specific ingredient. Weight measurements are more accurate for baking.
How many tablespoons are in a cup?
There are exactly 16 tablespoons in 1 US cup. This means 1 tablespoon equals 1/16 cup, or approximately 14.79 milliliters. For quick reference: 1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons, 1/3 cup = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon, and 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons.
Should I measure baking ingredients by weight or volume?
Professional bakers recommend measuring by weight (grams or ounces) for accuracy and consistency. A cup of flour can vary from 100g to 150g depending on how it is scooped. Weight measurement eliminates this variability, leading to more consistent results every time you bake.