Kitchen Density Converter
Powdered / Icing Sugar: Cups to Grams Conversion
Exact weight conversions, volume-to-mass ratios, and baking guidelines for powdered / icing sugar.
One US customary cup of Powdered / Icing Sugar weighs approximately 125 grams (or 4.4 oz) when using the professional spoon-and-level measurement method. One level tablespoon weighs 8 grams.
Convert Powdered / Icing Sugar Volume to Weight
Powdered / Icing Sugar Measurement Chart
Complete volumetric to gravimetric equivalent table for common baking measurements.
| Volume (US Cups) | Grams (g) | Ounces (oz) | Equivalent Tablespoons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 cup (2 tbsp) | 15.6 g | 0.55 oz | 2 tbsp |
| 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) | 31.3 g | 1.10 oz | 4 tbsp |
| 1/3 cup (5 tbsp + 1 tsp) | 41.7 g | 1.47 oz | 5.3 tbsp |
| 1/2 cup (8 tbsp) | 62.5 g | 2.20 oz | 8 tbsp |
| 2/3 cup | 83.3 g | 2.94 oz | 10.7 tbsp |
| 3/4 cup (12 tbsp) | 93.8 g | 3.31 oz | 12 tbsp |
| 1 cup (16 tbsp) | 125 g | 4.41 oz | 16 tbsp |
| 1 1/2 cups | 187.5 g | 6.61 oz | 24 tbsp |
| 2 cups | 250 g | 8.82 oz | 32 tbsp |
| 3 cups | 375 g | 13.23 oz | 48 tbsp |
How to Measure Powdered / Icing Sugar Accurately
Sift before measuring when the recipe says "sifted" — and sift again before icing no matter what. Unsifted, spoon and level to 125 g. Commercial powdered sugar is about 3% cornstarch (added against caking), which is why it cannot replace granulated sugar 1:1.
Storing Powdered / Icing Sugar & Common Substitutes
Storage
Sealed and bone-dry, 2 years. It cakes into a solid block the moment humidity touches it because the crystals are so fine. Store away from the stove and dishwasher steam, and always use a dry spoon.
Substitutions
Blitz granulated sugar in a blender or spice grinder with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch per cup until powdery — 200 g of granulated yields about 1 cup of equivalent icing sugar. Do not substitute granulated sugar in uncooked icings; it will never dissolve smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grams is 1 cup of powdered / icing sugar?
One US cup of powdered / icing sugar weighs approximately 125 grams (4.4 ounces) using the standard spoon-and-level measurement method.
How many tablespoons is 1 cup of powdered / icing sugar?
There are 16 level tablespoons in 1 US cup of powdered / icing sugar, with each tablespoon weighing approximately 8 grams.
How many cups is 100 grams of powdered / icing sugar?
100 grams of powdered / icing sugar is equal to approximately 0.80 US cups.
What is the correct way to measure powdered / icing sugar?
Sift before measuring when the recipe says "sifted" — and sift again before icing no matter what. Unsifted, spoon and level to 125 g. Commercial powdered sugar is about 3% cornstarch (added against caking), which is why it cannot replace granulated sugar 1:1.
What can I substitute for powdered / icing sugar?
Blitz granulated sugar in a blender or spice grinder with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch per cup until powdery — 200 g of granulated yields about 1 cup of equivalent icing sugar. Do not substitute granulated sugar in uncooked icings; it will never dissolve smooth.