Conversions · 1 min read
How to convert grams to cups
A cup measures volume and a gram measures weight, so the conversion depends on the ingredient. Divide the grams by that ingredient's grams per cup.
Last updated November 5, 2026
Why there is no single factor
A cup always holds the same volume, but a cup of flour weighs much less than a cup of sugar. To convert you need the weight of one cup of the specific ingredient.
Typical grams per cup (US)
Worked example
Common reference values
| Ingredient | Grams per cup |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | about 120 g |
| Granulated sugar | about 198 g |
| Butter | about 226 g (two sticks) |
Packing, sifting and brand can shift these by several grams.
The formula
Formula
cups = grams ÷ grams per cup
- grams
- the weight in the recipe
- grams per cup
- the weight of one cup of that ingredient
Worked examples
Worked example
Three ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Calculation | Cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 300 g | 300 ÷ 120 | 2.5 |
| Granulated sugar | 500 g | 500 ÷ 198 | about 2.53 |
| Butter | 170 g | 170 ÷ 226 | about 0.75 (3/4) |
To go the other way, multiply: 1.5 cups of sugar is 1.5 × 198 = 297 g.
For accurate baking
Weigh dry ingredients when the recipe gives grams.
Tip
Converting to cups is fine for everyday cooking, but a kitchen scale avoids the variation from how the cup was filled.