The short answer: A cup of all-purpose flour typically weighs about 120 to 130 grams (4.2 to 4.6 ounces). The weight changes depending on whether the flour is scooped, spooned, or sifted.
Cup of flour weight by type
A cup of flour does not have a single fixed weight because flour type and measuring method both affect how densely it packs.
| Type (example) | Typical weight per cup |
|---|---|
| All-purpose (spooned and leveled) | 120 to 130 g (4.2 to 4.6 oz) |
| All-purpose (scooped, packed) | 140 to 150 g (5 to 5.3 oz) |
| Bread flour | 125 to 135 g (4.4 to 4.8 oz) |
| Cake flour (sifted) | 100 to 115 g (3.5 to 4 oz) |
What affects cup of flour weight
- Measuring method. Scooping packs flour denser than spooning it into the cup.
- Flour type. Cake flour is lighter per cup than bread or all-purpose flour.
- Sifting. Sifted flour holds more air and weighs less per cup.
- Humidity. Flour can absorb moisture, slightly raising its weight.
- Settling. Tapping or shaking the cup compacts the flour and adds weight.
How cup of flour weight compares
A cup of flour weighs about the same as a medium apple, or roughly as much as a deck of cards and a half.
Frequently asked questions
How many cups are in a pound of flour?
A pound of all-purpose flour (454 grams) is roughly three and a half cups when spooned and leveled.
Why do flour cup weights vary so much?
Flour compresses easily, so scooping straight from the bag packs in more than spooning it gently. This is why baking recipes often prefer weight over volume.
What is the standard weight for a cup of flour?
Most baking references use about 120 to 125 grams for one cup of all-purpose flour measured by the spoon-and-level method.
