How Many Grams in a Cup of Unsalted Butter? (227 g)
1 US legal cup of Unsalted Butter = 227 grams (8.01 ounces). One tablespoon = 14.19 grams, and one teaspoon = 4.73 grams.
Portion baseline measured as 1 cup (2 US sticks) according to official USDA laboratory reference testing.
Unsalted Butter: Fractional Cup to Grams Conversion Table
| Portion / Fraction | Grams (g) | Ounces (oz) | Equivalent Tablespoons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 cup | 28.4 g | 1 oz | 2 tbsp |
| 1/4 cup | 56.8 g | 2 oz | 4 tbsp |
| 1/3 cup | 75.7 g | 2.67 oz | 5.3 tbsp |
| 1/2 cup | 113.5 g | 4 oz | 8 tbsp |
| 2/3 cup | 151.3 g | 5.34 oz | 10.7 tbsp |
| 3/4 cup | 170.3 g | 6.01 oz | 12 tbsp |
| 1 cup | 227 g | 8.01 oz | 16 tbsp |
| 1 1/2 cups | 340.5 g | 12.02 oz | 24 tbsp |
| 2 cups | 454 g | 16.02 oz | 32 tbsp |
| 3 cups | 681 g | 24.03 oz | 48 tbsp |
| 4 cups | 908 g | 32.04 oz | 64 tbsp |
Interactive Unsalted Butter Converter
Type any amount or choose a unit to calculate instant weights and volumes
Why the Weight of Unsalted Butter Varies in Baking
Commercial US butter contains approximately 80% milkfat, 16–18% water, and 2% milk solids. Solid sticks maintain exact density (227g per 2 sticks = 1 cup), but whipped butter contains incorporated nitrogen gas and weighs only ~150g per cup.
Fats & Dairy Measuring Technique
Use standard stick tablespoon wrapper markings for chilled solid butter, or weigh directly on a digital scale. Ensure butter is at room temperature (~65°F-68°F) when creaming with sugar.
Atmospheric Altitude Context
At 5280 ft elevation, lower atmospheric pressure accelerates moisture evaporation. Ensure Unsalted Butter is measured strictly by weight (227g/cup) rather than volume scoop to prevent baking inconsistencies.
International Cup Size Weights for Unsalted Butter
Standard cup volumes vary between countries. If following a UK, Australian, or Canadian recipe, use these computed gram equivalents for Unsalted Butter:
| Standard Cup Standard | Volume (mL) | Calculated Grams (g) | Ounces (oz) | Primary Geographic Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Legal Cup (USDA Standard) | 240 mL | 227 g | 8.01 oz | United States (FDA nutrition labeling) |
| US Customary Cup | 236.6 mL | 223.8 g | 7.89 oz | United States (Standard kitchen measuring sets) |
| Metric Cup | 250 mL | 236.5 g | 8.34 oz | Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, UK |
| Imperial Cup | 284.1 mL | 268.7 g | 9.48 oz | Traditional British & Commonwealth recipes (1/2 pint) |
Related Fats & Dairy Conversions
Frequently Asked Questions About Unsalted Butter
How do stick markings on butter translate to cups and grams?
In the United States, 1 standard stick of butter equals 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons), weighing 113.5 grams (4 ounces). Two full sticks equal 1 US cup, weighing exactly 227 grams (8 ounces). One level tablespoon weighs 14.2 grams.
Does melted Unsalted Butter weigh the same as solid Unsalted Butter?
Yes, total mass does not change with phase or temperature: 227 grams of solid Unsalted Butter remains exactly 227 grams after melting. However, volume can change slightly due to thermal expansion. Measuring by weight on a gram scale prevents melted-versus-solid volume discrepancy entirely.
Why must liquid fats and milks be measured at eye level?
Viewing a liquid measuring cup from above produces optical parallax error, causing you to over-measure liquids by 1 to 2 tablespoons. Always rest your measuring cup on a flat countertop, crouch down so your eye is level with the line, and align the bottom of the meniscus.
Can I substitute salted for unsalted butter in baking?
Yes, but adjust your recipe's added salt. Commercial salted butter contains approximately 1.5% to 1.7% salt by weight (about 1/4 teaspoon fine salt per 1/2 cup stick). If using salted butter, decrease the added table salt in your recipe by 1/4 teaspoon per stick used.
How does fat percentage affect baking moisture?
Dairy fats are emulsions of water, fat, and milk solids. Standard butter is ~80% butterfat and ~16-18% water, while whole milk is ~88% water. Swapping low-fat alternatives alters the total liquid balance and crumb tenderness of delicate pastries.
Authoritative Laboratory Citation: USDA SR Legacy
Exact 100% agreement between USDA and industry standard: 1 US stick = 1/2 cup = 113.5g (4 oz); 2 sticks = 1 cup = 227g (8 oz).