Scale to GramsHow Much Does a Cup of Sugar Weigh? Every Type Compared
Sugar Weight by Type
White granulated sugar weighs approximately 200 grams (7 oz) per cup. It is the most consistent sugar to measure because the uniform crystal size packs predictably. Light brown sugar weighs about 220 grams (7.75 oz) per cup when packed — and it should always be packed. The molasses coating makes the crystals sticky, so they hold air pockets unless compressed. Dark brown sugar weighs about 230 grams (8.1 oz) per packed cup due to higher molasses content. Powdered sugar (confectioner's sugar) weighs about 120 grams (4.2 oz) per cup when sifted, or 150 grams (5.3 oz) unsifted — the difference is significant. Raw or turbinado sugar weighs about 180 grams (6.3 oz) per cup because the larger crystals leave more air gaps. Coconut sugar weighs about 170 grams (6 oz) per cup.
Packed vs. Unpacked: Why It Matters
Brown sugar is the only common sugar that recipes specify as "packed." This means pressing the sugar firmly into the measuring cup until it holds its shape when turned out — like a sandcastle. Packed brown sugar weighs 220-230 grams per cup. Loosely scooped brown sugar weighs only about 145-160 grams per cup. That is a 40% difference, which will noticeably affect your recipe. If a recipe says "1 cup brown sugar" without specifying, assume packed — that is the standard. Granulated white sugar does not need packing because the crystals do not clump. Simply spoon it into the cup and level. Powdered sugar should be sifted before measuring if the recipe says "1 cup sifted powdered sugar," or measured then sifted if it says "1 cup powdered sugar, sifted." The word order matters.
Sugar Calories and Nutrition
All sugars contain approximately 4 calories per gram, but the per-cup calorie count varies because of weight differences. One cup of white granulated sugar has about 774 calories. One cup of packed brown sugar has about 836 calories. One cup of powdered sugar has about 467 calories (sifted). One cup of honey weighs about 340 grams and has approximately 1,031 calories. One cup of maple syrup weighs about 315 grams and has about 819 calories. For reducing calories in baking, substituting a portion of sugar with a calorie-free sweetener works, but be aware that sugar provides structure and moisture in baked goods — not just sweetness — so substituting more than 25-50% often affects texture.
Common Sugar Conversions
One tablespoon of white sugar weighs about 12.5 grams. One teaspoon weighs about 4.2 grams. A standard sugar packet (like at a coffee shop) contains about 4 grams. A 4-pound bag of sugar contains approximately 9 cups. A 5-pound bag contains approximately 11.25 cups. For converting between sugar types in recipes: you can substitute equal cups of brown sugar for white sugar (they weigh differently but the volume swap works). To substitute powdered sugar for granulated, use 1.75 cups powdered for every 1 cup granulated. You cannot directly substitute liquid sweeteners (honey, maple syrup) for dry sugar without adjusting the recipe's liquid content.
Measuring Sugar Accurately
For granulated sugar, simply spoon into a dry measuring cup and level with a knife. Unlike flour, sugar does not compact significantly when scooped, so the scoop-and-level method works fine. For brown sugar, pack it firmly into the cup with the back of a spoon until level with the rim. For powdered sugar, sift first if the recipe calls for it, then spoon into the cup and level gently without pressing. For the most accurate results in baking, use a kitchen scale. Professional pastry chefs weigh sugar in grams because volume measurements have too much variation. A $10-15 kitchen scale pays for itself in consistently better baked goods. You can also photograph your measuring cup with sugar and use Scale to Grams for a quick weight check.
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