How many grams is 1 cup of powdered sugar?

One cup of unsifted powdered sugar (spooned into the cup and leveled off) weighs approximately 120 grams (about 4.23 ounces). If the sugar is sifted before measuring, one cup weighs around 100 grams because sifting adds air and reduces density.

What is the difference between sifted and unsifted powdered sugar?

Unsifted powdered sugar is spooned directly from the bag into the measuring cup and leveled. Sifted powdered sugar has been passed through a fine sieve before or after measuring, which breaks up lumps and incorporates air, reducing density by roughly 15–20%. Most recipes that say "2 cups powdered sugar" mean unsifted unless they specify "2 cups sifted powdered sugar."

Is powdered sugar the same as confectioners sugar and icing sugar?

Yes. All three names refer to the same product: finely ground granulated sugar blended with a small amount of cornstarch (usually 3%) to prevent caking. In the US it is sold as powdered sugar or confectioners sugar; in the UK, Australia, and Canada it is commonly called icing sugar.

How many tablespoons of powdered sugar are in a cup?

There are 16 tablespoons in one US cup. At 120 grams per cup, each tablespoon of unsifted powdered sugar weighs approximately 7.5 grams.

Why does my powdered sugar weigh differently than this converter shows?

The converter uses 120 g per cup for unsifted, which is a widely cited average. Actual weight can vary by ±5–10 grams depending on how settled or aerated the bag is, your scooping technique, and whether you tap the cup. Weighing directly on a scale always eliminates this variability.

Can I substitute powdered sugar for granulated sugar by weight?

In most cases, no. Powdered sugar contains cornstarch and has a finer texture, which affects the structure and moisture of baked goods. Substitution by weight is occasionally possible in icings or glazes, but not in cakes or cookies without adjusting the recipe.

Powdered Sugar Cups to Grams Converter

Enter a powdered sugar amount in cups, tablespoons, or teaspoons and instantly see the equivalent weight in grams and ounces.

Convert to Grams

Amount

Unit

Sugar state

Density Reference

Type	g / cup	oz / cup
Unsifted (spooned & leveled)	120 g	4.23 oz
Sifted	100 g	3.53 oz

Unit equivalents (unsifted)

Unit	Cups	Grams
1 cup	1	120 g
1 tablespoon	1/16	7.5 g
1 teaspoon	1/48	2.5 g

Quick-Reference Table

Pre-calculated weights for common amounts of unsifted powdered sugar (120 g/cup). Toggle to see sifted weights.

Amount	Grams	Ounces

Summary

Enter a powdered sugar amount in cups, tablespoons, or teaspoons and instantly see the equivalent weight in grams and ounces.

How it works

Enter the quantity of powdered sugar you need to convert.
Select the unit: cups, tablespoons, or teaspoons.
Choose whether the sugar is unsifted (spooned and leveled) or sifted.
The converter instantly shows the equivalent weight in grams and ounces.
Scroll down for a pre-calculated quick-reference table of common baking amounts.

Use cases

Weigh powdered sugar precisely when a recipe gives a cup measurement.
Convert an American frosting or icing recipe to metric for a kitchen scale.
Scale a buttercream recipe up or down without volume measuring cups.
Determine how much to sift when a recipe specifies sifted powdered sugar.
Check that a bag of powdered sugar contains enough for a large recipe.
Teach beginner bakers why weighing produces more consistent results than scooping.
Reduce cleanup by weighing directly into the mixing bowl.
Compare unsifted versus sifted weights to understand density differences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-09-22 · Reviewed by Nham Vu