Flour Converter
Convert flour measurements between cups, grams, ounces, pounds, tablespoons, and teaspoons. Select your flour type for accurate conversions, as different flours have different densities.
Different flour types have different densities
How many cups are in a pound of flour?
All-purpose flour: 1 pound = 3.6 cups (sifted) or 3.3 cups (unsifted). Bread flour: 1 lb = 3.4 cups. Cake flour: 1 lb = 4.5 cups (lighter). Whole wheat: 1 lb = 3.1 cups (denser). For most recipes using unsifted all-purpose flour, use 3.3 cups per pound. Weight is more accurate than volume for baking.
How many grams are in a cup of flour?
All-purpose flour (unsifted): 1 cup = 120-125 grams. Bread flour: 1 cup = 127 grams. Cake flour: 1 cup = 114 grams. Whole wheat: 1 cup = 130 grams. For best results: 1 cup all-purpose = 120g (standard). Sifted flour is lighter (110g/cup). Always use "spoon and level" method: spoon flour into cup, level with knife—don't pack or shake.
Why does flour weight vary by type?
Density differences: Cake flour is finely milled and lighter (114g/cup), bread flour has more protein and is denser (127g/cup), whole wheat includes bran making it heaviest (130g/cup). All-purpose is medium (120g/cup). Sifting adds air, reducing weight. This is why professional bakers weigh ingredients—volume measurements vary by flour type and measuring technique.
Should I sift flour before measuring?
Modern recipes typically use unsifted flour measurements. If recipe says "1 cup flour, sifted" = measure then sift. "1 cup sifted flour" = sift first, then measure (uses more flour, ~1.3 cups unsifted). Unless specified, measure unsifted using spoon-and-level method. Sifting aerates and removes lumps but isn't always necessary for everyday baking.
How do I convert flour measurements for gluten-free baking?
Gluten-free flour blends: Generally 1:1 substitution by weight (not volume). 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g) = 1 cup (120g) GF blend. Volume may differ: some GF flours are denser. Always check package instructions. Almond flour is much denser: 1 cup = 96g. Coconut flour absorbs more liquid: use ¼-⅓ the amount of regular flour. Best practice: weigh ingredients for gluten-free baking.
What is the best way to measure flour accurately?
Best method: Use a digital kitchen scale (weighs in grams). 1 cup all-purpose = 120g. Second best: Spoon-and-level method—fluff flour, spoon into measuring cup without packing, level with straight edge. Never scoop directly from bag (packs flour, adds 20-30% more). Don't tap or shake cup. Accurate measuring prevents dense, dry baked goods.
How many tablespoons are in a cup of flour?
1 cup = 16 tablespoons (any ingredient). For flour: 1 cup all-purpose flour = 16 Tbsp = 120 grams. Conversions: ½ cup = 8 Tbsp = 60g, ¼ cup = 4 Tbsp = 30g, ⅓ cup = 5.3 Tbsp = 40g. Tablespoons are less accurate for flour than cups or grams because flour compacts easily. For small amounts, use grams: 1 Tbsp flour ≈ 7-8 grams.