Sugar Converter

It depends on the type of sugar: 1 cup granulated white sugar = 200g, 1 cup brown sugar (packed) = 220g, 1 cup powdered/confectioners sugar = 120g, 1 cup raw/turbinado sugar = 200g. Different sugars have different densities, so always check which type your recipe needs.

Powdered sugar is much lighter: 1 cup powdered sugar = 120g, while 1 cup granulated sugar = 200g. They are NOT interchangeable by volume. To substitute: 1 cup granulated sugar ≈ 1.75 cups powdered sugar by weight. Powdered sugar contains cornstarch (about 3%).

Brown sugar should be packed firmly into the measuring cup - press it down with the back of a spoon so it holds the cup shape when turned out. 1 cup packed brown sugar = 220g. Unpacked brown sugar is less dense and will give different results. Light and dark brown sugar measure the same.

Substitutions affect texture and taste: Granulated ↔ brown sugar (1:1 by weight, but brown adds moisture and molasses flavor), Granulated → powdered (grind in food processor, add 1 Tbsp cornstarch per cup), Powdered → granulated (not ideal for frostings). For baking, stick to recipe specifications when possible.

All sugar types: 1 cup = 16 tablespoons = 48 teaspoons. This is volume - the weight varies by sugar type. Quick conversions: 1/4 cup = 4 Tbsp, 1/3 cup = 5 Tbsp + 1 tsp, 1/2 cup = 8 Tbsp, 3/4 cup = 12 Tbsp.

Common substitutes: Honey (use 3/4 cup per 1 cup sugar, reduce liquid by 1/4 cup, reduce oven temp 25°F), Maple syrup (similar to honey), Coconut sugar (1:1 for granulated), Stevia (much sweeter, use conversion chart). Note: Substitutes change texture, moisture, and browning. Best results use recipes designed for that sweetener.

Use weight for accuracy: 100g granulated sugar = 1/2 cup, 200g = 1 cup, 250g = 1.25 cups. For powdered sugar: 100g = 0.83 cup, 120g = 1 cup. A kitchen scale eliminates conversion errors. Most modern recipes provide both grams and cups.