The short answer: A cup of dry beans typically weighs about 180 to 200 grams (6.3 to 7 ounces). Beans gain a lot of weight after soaking and cooking as they absorb water.
Cup of beans weight by type
A cup of beans weighs differently depending on the variety and whether the beans are dry, soaked, or cooked.
| Type (example) | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Dry beans (kidney, pinto) | 180 to 200 g (6.3 to 7 oz) |
| Cooked beans | 170 to 180 g (6 to 6.3 oz) |
| Canned, drained beans | 170 to 180 g (6 to 6.3 oz) |
| Dry chickpeas | 190 to 200 g (6.7 to 7 oz) |
What affects cup of beans weight
- Dry vs. cooked. Dry beans roughly double or triple in weight once cooked.
- Variety. Larger beans pack differently in a cup than small ones.
- Soaking. Soaked beans hold absorbed water and weigh more than dry.
- Draining. Canned beans weigh less once the liquid is drained off.
- Packing. How tightly beans settle in the cup affects the reading.
How cup of beans weight compares
A cup of dry beans weighs about the same as a stick and a half of butter, or roughly as much as a medium apple plus a banana.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cup of cooked beans weigh?
A cup of cooked beans weighs roughly 170 to 180 grams, since the cooked beans take up more space per gram than dry ones.
How many cups are in a pound of dry beans?
One pound of dry beans (454 grams) equals roughly two to two and a half cups, depending on the bean variety.
How much do dry beans expand when cooked?
Dry beans typically expand to about two to three times their original volume and weight after soaking and cooking.
