How many grams in 1 cup of brown sugar?
1 cup of packed brown sugar weighs exactly 220 grams (7.76 ounces). This assumes the brown sugar is firmly packed into the measuring cup. If loosely packed, the same cup holds only 145 grams — a 75-gram difference that significantly affects baking results.
Most recipes assume packed measurement unless specified otherwise.
Brown Sugar Cups to Grams Conversion
Most Searched Brown Sugar Conversions
⚠️ PACKED brown sugar (firm press)
Packed vs Loose: The 75g Difference!
Loose (Wrong)
- Lots of air gaps
- Inconsistent results
- Cookies will spread
Packed (Correct)
- Minimal air
- Holds shape
- Consistent baking
How to Pack Brown Sugar Correctly
- 1 Spoon sugar into measuring cup
- 2 Press down firmly with spoon back
- 3 Add more sugar, press again
- 4 Level off with straight edge
Light vs Dark Brown Sugar: Same Weight!
Light Brown Sugar
Dark Brown Sugar
💡 Weight is identical - only the flavor intensity differs!
Complete Conversion Chart
| Cups | Packed (Grams) | Loose (Grams) | Ounces |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 cup (2 tbsp) | 28g | 18g | 0.99 oz |
| 1/4 cup | 55g | 36g | 1.94 oz |
| 1/3 cup | 73g | 48g | 2.58 oz |
| 1/2 cup | 110g | 73g | 3.88 oz |
| 2/3 cup | 147g | 97g | 5.19 oz |
| 3/4 cup | 165g | 109g | 5.82 oz |
| 1 cup | 220g | 145g | 7.76 oz |
| 1 1/4 cups | 275g | 181g | 9.70 oz |
| 1 1/2 cups | 330g | 218g | 11.64 oz |
| 2 cups | 440g | 290g | 15.52 oz |
Grams to Cups (Reverse Conversion)
💡 Tip: Numbers in parentheses show how much to adjust for perfect accuracy
No Brown Sugar? Make Your Own!
For 1 cup (220g)
For 1/2 cup (110g)
For 1/4 cup (55g)
Pro Tips:
- Light brown sugar: Use the amounts above
- Dark brown sugar: Add 50% more molasses (e.g., 30g for 1 cup)
- Mix method: Stir with a fork until evenly colored
- Storage: Use immediately or store in airtight container
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grams in 1 cup brown sugar?
1 cup of packed brown sugar = 220 grams. If loosely packed = 145 grams. Most recipes assume packed unless specified.
How much does 1/2 cup brown sugar weigh?
1/2 cup of packed brown sugar weighs exactly 110 grams (3.88 oz). 💡 Try our converter above to instantly see any measurement — it even works with sticky hands!
What is 1 1/2 cups brown sugar in grams?
1 1/2 cups (one and a half cups) of packed brown sugar equals 330 grams or 11.64 ounces. Common in carrot cake and larger batch recipes.
Is light and dark brown sugar the same weight?
Yes! Both light and dark brown sugar weigh 220g per packed cup. The only difference is molasses content (3.5% vs 6.5%), which affects flavor, not weight.
How do I know if I packed it enough?
Turn the measuring cup upside down. Properly packed brown sugar should hold its cup shape like wet sand. If it crumbles immediately, it wasn't packed enough. This is called the "turn-it-upside-down test" and it works every time!
🍬 Common Baking Sugars
The most frequently used sugars in baking recipes:
💡 Tip: Brown sugar adds moisture and chewy texture to cookies. Always pack it firmly when measuring!