Converting grams to cups is one of the most common challenges home bakers face when adapting international recipes. Because grams measure mass and cups measure volume, accurate conversion requires knowing the specific density of the ingredient you are measuring.
For instant calculation, try our interactive grams to cups converter to get exact cup fractions for over 20 baking ingredients.
Quick facts
- Core formula
- Cups = grams divided by grams per cup.
- Flour standard
- 1 US cup of all-purpose flour weighs approximately 120 grams.
- Sugar standard
- 1 US cup of granulated sugar weighs approximately 200 grams.
- Butter standard
- 1 US cup of butter weighs 227 grams (2 sticks).
The Fundamental Formula: Cups = Grams ÷ Density
To convert any recipe from grams to cups, divide the weight in grams by the ingredient's density (grams per one US cup). For all-purpose flour at 120g per cup, 300g divided by 120 gives exactly 2.5 cups.
| Ingredient | 1 US Cup (g) | 100g in Cups | 200g in Cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 120g | 0.83 cup (¾ cup + 1 tbsp) | 1.67 cups (1 ⅔ cups) |
| Granulated Sugar | 200g | 0.50 cup (½ cup) | 1.00 cup (1 cup) |
| Brown Sugar (Packed) | 220g | 0.45 cup | 0.91 cup |
| Butter | 227g | 0.44 cup (7 tbsp) | 0.88 cup (14 tbsp) |
| Milk / Liquids | 240g | 0.42 cup | 0.83 cup |
Fact check
Common misconceptions
One cup is always 240 grams
Only water and liquids of similar density weigh 240 grams per cup. Dry powders like flour weigh much less.
Scooping flour directly is fine
Dipping a cup into a flour bag packs the powder and adds up to 25% extra weight.
Frequently asked questions
How do you convert grams to cups?
Divide the weight in grams by the ingredient's grams per cup. For flour, divide by 120; for sugar, divide by 200.
How many cups is 100 grams of flour?
100 grams of all-purpose flour is approximately 0.83 cups (just under ⅞ cup).
Are US cups and metric cups the same?
No. A US Customary cup is ~240 ml, while a Metric Cup is exactly 250 ml.
The takeaway
Measure with a clear method
Accurate baking relies on ingredient density. Using the simple formula (cups = grams ÷ density) lets you convert any international recipe cleanly.
Open the grams to cups converter
