Sugar conversions
Sugars range from dense granulated sugar to airy powdered sugar, which weighs little more than half as much per cup. Brown sugar is always measured firmly packed.
A pound of brown sugar fills about 2.06 cups, while a pound of powdered sugar fills about 3.78 cups.
Sugar weight and volume compared
| Ingredient | Grams per cup | Ounces per cup | Cups per pound | Cups per 100 g |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 200 g | 7.05 oz | 2.27 | 0.5 |
| Brown sugar | 220 g | 7.76 oz | 2.06 | 0.455 |
| Powdered sugar | 120 g | 4.23 oz | 3.78 | 0.833 |
Measuring sugar accurately
Granulated sugar is forgiving: scoop, level and you are within a few grams. Brown sugar is the opposite, and recipes expect it pressed firmly into the cup until it holds the cup's shape when turned out. Powdered sugar clumps, so sift it before measuring for frostings and glazes; unsifted powdered sugar measures heavier.
How to measure each one
- Granulated sugar: Scoop granulated sugar into the cup and level it; do not shake or compress it.
- Brown sugar: This estimate assumes brown sugar is firmly packed into the measuring cup.
- Powdered sugar: Sift first when a recipe calls for a light, lump-free measurement.
Swapping one for another
When substituting within this group, swap by weight rather than by cup. For example, 1 cup of powdered sugar weighs 120 g; the same weight of granulated sugar is 0.6 cups. Matching the weight keeps the recipe balanced even though the volumes differ.
Buying and storing
Sugar keeps indefinitely if it stays dry. A 4 lb bag of granulated sugar holds about 9 cups. Keep brown sugar in an airtight container so it stays soft; if it hardens, a slice of bread or a damp paper towel in the container for a day softens it again.
Sugar questions
How many cups are in a pound of granulated sugar?
About 2.27 cups. One cup of granulated sugar weighs 200 g, or 7.05 oz.
How many cups are in a pound of brown sugar?
About 2.06 cups. One cup of brown sugar weighs 220 g, or 7.76 oz.
How many cups are in a pound of powdered sugar?
About 3.78 cups. One cup of powdered sugar weighs 120 g, or 4.23 oz.