How Many Grams in a Cup of Brown Sugar (Packed)? (220 g)
1 US legal cup of Brown Sugar (Packed) = 220 grams (7.76 ounces). One tablespoon = 13.75 grams, and one teaspoon = 4.58 grams.
Portion baseline measured as 1 cup packed according to official USDA laboratory reference testing.
Brown Sugar (Packed): Fractional Cup to Grams Conversion Table
| Portion / Fraction | Grams (g) | Ounces (oz) | Equivalent Tablespoons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 cup | 27.5 g | 0.97 oz | 2 tbsp |
| 1/4 cup | 55 g | 1.94 oz | 4 tbsp |
| 1/3 cup | 73.3 g | 2.59 oz | 5.3 tbsp |
| 1/2 cup | 110 g | 3.88 oz | 8 tbsp |
| 2/3 cup | 146.7 g | 5.17 oz | 10.7 tbsp |
| 3/4 cup | 165 g | 5.82 oz | 12 tbsp |
| 1 cup | 220 g | 7.76 oz | 16 tbsp |
| 1 1/2 cups | 330 g | 11.64 oz | 24 tbsp |
| 2 cups | 440 g | 15.52 oz | 32 tbsp |
| 3 cups | 660 g | 23.28 oz | 48 tbsp |
| 4 cups | 880 g | 31.04 oz | 64 tbsp |
Interactive Brown Sugar (Packed) Converter
Type any amount or choose a unit to calculate instant weights and volumes
Why the Weight of Brown Sugar (Packed) Varies in Baking
The weight of brown sugar varies dramatically based on packing pressure and moisture content. Loose brown sugar weighs around 145g per cup, while firmly packed sugar reaches 220g. Ambient humidity also affects moisture retention.
Sugars & Sweeteners Measuring Technique
Pack firmly into the dry measuring cup so it holds the pan shape when turned out. If recipe specifies unpacked brown sugar, USDA weight is 145g/cup.
Atmospheric Altitude Context
At 5280 ft elevation, lower atmospheric pressure accelerates moisture evaporation. Ensure Brown Sugar (Packed) is measured strictly by weight (220g/cup) rather than volume scoop to prevent baking inconsistencies.
International Cup Size Weights for Brown Sugar (Packed)
Standard cup volumes vary between countries. If following a UK, Australian, or Canadian recipe, use these computed gram equivalents for Brown Sugar (Packed):
| Standard Cup Standard | Volume (mL) | Calculated Grams (g) | Ounces (oz) | Primary Geographic Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Legal Cup (USDA Standard) | 240 mL | 220 g | 7.76 oz | United States (FDA nutrition labeling) |
| US Customary Cup | 236.6 mL | 216.9 g | 7.65 oz | United States (Standard kitchen measuring sets) |
| Metric Cup | 250 mL | 229.2 g | 8.08 oz | Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, UK |
| Imperial Cup | 284.1 mL | 260.5 g | 9.19 oz | Traditional British & Commonwealth recipes (1/2 pint) |
Related Sugars & Sweeteners Conversions
Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Sugar (Packed)
Is Brown Sugar (Packed) supposed to be packed or loose when measuring?
Standard culinary recipes specify that brown sugar should be packed firmly into the measuring cup until level with the rim (220g per cup). It should retain the cup shape when turned out. If your recipe explicitly specifies "unpacked", the USDA weight is 145g.
Why does a cup of Brown Sugar (Packed) weigh more than a cup of flour?
Brown Sugar (Packed) has a much higher physical density (220g/cup) than wheat flour (~120–125g/cup). Sugar granules or syrup liquids are dense with minimal trapped air space, whereas flour particles are light and aerated.
How many grams of Brown Sugar (Packed) are in a tablespoon and teaspoon?
One level tablespoon of Brown Sugar (Packed) weighs 13.75 grams, and one level teaspoon weighs 4.58 grams. 1 US cup contains 16 tablespoons.
Can I reduce Brown Sugar (Packed) in a baking recipe without ruining the texture?
Sugar provides far more than sweetness in baking: it tenderizes gluten networks, locks in baked moisture, promotes golden crust caramelization, and stabilizes whipped egg structures. Reducing sugar by more than 10–15% by weight can cause cakes to bake dry, breads to brown poorly, and cookies to lose their crisp edges.
How does humidity affect storing and measuring Brown Sugar (Packed)?
Brown Sugar (Packed) is naturally hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from surrounding air. In high humidity, granulated sugars clump and brown sugars become sticky. Keep sugars in airtight containers to maintain proper moisture balance and predictable weight.
Authoritative Laboratory Citation: USDA SR Legacy
USDA SR Legacy defines firmly packed brown sugar at 220g/cup (unpacked is 145g). King Arthur lists moderately packed brown sugar at 213g/cup (3.2% variance).