The short answer: A cup of granulated sugar typically weighs about 190 to 200 grams (6.7 to 7 ounces). Sugar packs more densely than flour, so the same cup weighs more.
Cup of sugar weight by type
A cup of sugar weighs differently depending on the type, since granulated, brown, and powdered sugars pack at different densities.
| Type (example) | Typical weight per cup |
|---|---|
| Granulated white sugar | 190 to 200 g (6.7 to 7 oz) |
| Packed brown sugar | 200 to 220 g (7 to 7.8 oz) |
| Powdered (confectioners') sugar | 115 to 130 g (4 to 4.6 oz) |
| Caster (superfine) sugar | 200 to 225 g (7 to 8 oz) |
What affects cup of sugar weight
- Sugar type. Granulated and caster sugar weigh much more per cup than powdered.
- Packing. Brown sugar is usually packed, raising its weight per cup.
- Density. Fine crystals settle more tightly than coarse ones.
- Moisture. Brown sugar holds moisture, adding a little weight.
- Settling. Tapping the cup compacts the sugar and increases weight.
How cup of sugar weight compares
A cup of granulated sugar weighs about the same as a medium apple plus a small orange, or roughly as much as a stick and a half of butter.
Frequently asked questions
How many cups are in a pound of sugar?
A pound of granulated sugar (454 grams) is roughly two and a quarter cups.
Does brown sugar weigh more than white sugar?
Packed brown sugar weighs a little more per cup than granulated white, since it is pressed down and holds some moisture.
Why is a cup of sugar heavier than a cup of flour?
Sugar crystals are denser and pack more tightly than flour particles, so the same cup volume holds more weight.
