How Many Grams in a Cup of Powdered Sugar (Confectioners')? (120 g)
1 US legal cup of Powdered Sugar (Confectioners') = 120 grams (4.23 ounces). One tablespoon = 7.5 grams, and one teaspoon = 2.5 grams.
Portion baseline measured as 1 cup unsifted according to official USDA laboratory reference testing.
Powdered Sugar (Confectioners'): Fractional Cup to Grams Conversion Table
| Portion / Fraction | Grams (g) | Ounces (oz) | Equivalent Tablespoons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 cup | 15 g | 0.53 oz | 2 tbsp |
| 1/4 cup | 30 g | 1.06 oz | 4 tbsp |
| 1/3 cup | 40 g | 1.41 oz | 5.3 tbsp |
| 1/2 cup | 60 g | 2.12 oz | 8 tbsp |
| 2/3 cup | 80 g | 2.82 oz | 10.7 tbsp |
| 3/4 cup | 90 g | 3.17 oz | 12 tbsp |
| 1 cup | 120 g | 4.23 oz | 16 tbsp |
| 1 1/2 cups | 180 g | 6.35 oz | 24 tbsp |
| 2 cups | 240 g | 8.46 oz | 32 tbsp |
| 3 cups | 360 g | 12.69 oz | 48 tbsp |
| 4 cups | 480 g | 16.92 oz | 64 tbsp |
Interactive Powdered Sugar (Confectioners') Converter
Type any amount or choose a unit to calculate instant weights and volumes
Why the Weight of Powdered Sugar (Confectioners') Varies in Baking
Granulated sugar has remarkably uniform crystal density (~200g per cup). Minor variations arise from crystal grain size (extra fine vs. coarse table sugar) and humidity clumping.
Sugars & Sweeteners Measuring Technique
If your recipe calls for "1 cup powdered sugar, sifted", measure after sifting (100g-113g). If it calls for "1 cup sifted powdered sugar", sift first then measure.
Atmospheric Altitude Context
At 5280 ft elevation, lower atmospheric pressure accelerates moisture evaporation. Ensure Powdered Sugar (Confectioners') is measured strictly by weight (120g/cup) rather than volume scoop to prevent baking inconsistencies.
International Cup Size Weights for Powdered Sugar (Confectioners')
Standard cup volumes vary between countries. If following a UK, Australian, or Canadian recipe, use these computed gram equivalents for Powdered Sugar (Confectioners'):
| Standard Cup Standard | Volume (mL) | Calculated Grams (g) | Ounces (oz) | Primary Geographic Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Legal Cup (USDA Standard) | 240 mL | 120 g | 4.23 oz | United States (FDA nutrition labeling) |
| US Customary Cup | 236.6 mL | 118.3 g | 4.17 oz | United States (Standard kitchen measuring sets) |
| Metric Cup | 250 mL | 125 g | 4.41 oz | Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, UK |
| Imperial Cup | 284.1 mL | 142.1 g | 5.01 oz | Traditional British & Commonwealth recipes (1/2 pint) |
Related Sugars & Sweeteners Conversions
Frequently Asked Questions About Powdered Sugar (Confectioners')
Is Powdered Sugar (Confectioners') supposed to be packed or loose when measuring?
Granulated sugar should never be packed or sifted. Simply pour it into the dry measuring cup and sweep level with a flat blade (120g per cup).
Why does a cup of Powdered Sugar (Confectioners') weigh more than a cup of flour?
Powdered Sugar (Confectioners') has a much higher physical density (120g/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 Powdered Sugar (Confectioners') are in a tablespoon and teaspoon?
One level tablespoon of Powdered Sugar (Confectioners') weighs 7.5 grams, and one level teaspoon weighs 2.5 grams. 1 US cup contains 16 tablespoons.
Can I reduce Powdered Sugar (Confectioners') 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 Powdered Sugar (Confectioners')?
Powdered Sugar (Confectioners') 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 unsifted cup is 120g (matches King Arthur unsifted weight of 120g). Sifted powdered sugar weighs 100g (USDA) to 113g (King Arthur).