1 cup is approximately 236.588 grams.
The conversion from cups to grams depends on the substance being measured, but when using water as a reference, 1 cup equals 236.588 grams because 1 cup contains 240 milliliters and 1 milliliter of water weighs about 0.986 grams, rounded for simplicity.
Conversion Tool
Result in grams:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert cups to grams for water-like liquids is:
grams = cups × 236.588
This works because one US cup equals exactly 240 milliliters. Since 1 milliliter of water weighs about 0.986 grams, multiplying 240 mL by 0.986 g/mL gives approximately 236.588 grams. This conversion assumes the density of water; denser or lighter substances will differ.
Example calculation for 1 cup:
- 1 cup × 240 mL = 240 mL
- 240 mL × 0.986 g/mL = 236.588 g
- Result: 1 cup = 236.588 grams
Conversion Example
- For 2.5 cups:
- Multiply 2.5 by 236.588 grams.
- 2.5 × 236.588 = 591.47 grams.
- So, 2.5 cups equals 591.47 grams.
- For 0.75 cups:
- Multiply 0.75 by 236.588 grams.
- 0.75 × 236.588 = 177.441 grams.
- Thus, 0.75 cups is 177.441 grams.
- For 3 cups:
- Multiply 3 by 236.588 grams.
- 3 × 236.588 = 709.764 grams.
- Therefore, 3 cups equals 709.764 grams.
- For 0.1 cups:
- Multiply 0.1 by 236.588 grams.
- 0.1 × 236.588 = 23.6588 grams.
- Hence, 0.1 cups is 23.6588 grams.
- For 4.2 cups:
- Multiply 4.2 by 236.588 grams.
- 4.2 × 236.588 = 993.3696 grams.
- So, 4.2 cups equals 993.3696 grams.
Conversion Chart
This chart shows how to convert values from cups to grams. Negative values represent negative volume, which may be useful in some calculations or adjustments. Positive values show direct conversion by multiplying cups by 236.588 grams.
| Cups | Grams |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | -5678.11 |
| -20.0 | -4731.76 |
| -15.0 | -3548.82 |
| -10.0 | -2365.88 |
| -5.0 | -1182.94 |
| 0.0 | 0.0000 |
| 5.0 | 1182.94 |
| 10.0 | 2365.88 |
| 15.0 | 3548.82 |
| 20.0 | 4731.76 |
| 26.0 | 6151.29 |
Related Conversion Questions
- How many grams are in 1 cup of flour compared to water?
- What’s the weight in grams for 1 cup of sugar?
- Can I convert 1 cup of rice to grams using this formula?
- Why does 1 cup of oil weigh less in grams than 1 cup of water?
- Is 1 cup always equal to 236.588 grams for every ingredient?
- What is the difference when measuring 1 cup of liquid vs solids in grams?
- How to accurately convert 1 cup to grams in baking recipes?
Conversion Definitions
Cups: Cups, a volume measurement unit used primarily in cooking, equal to 8 fluid ounces or 240 milliliters in the US measurement system. Cups measure liquid and dry ingredients but their weight varies depending on the density of the substance being measured. It is common in recipes and food preparation.
Grams: Grams are a metric unit of mass, representing one thousandth of a kilogram. The gram is used worldwide to quantify the weight of objects or substances, including food ingredients. Unlike cups, grams provide a precise measurement of mass independent of volume or density differences.
Conversion FAQs
Why does the weight in grams differ for 1 cup of different ingredients?
The weight varies because a cup measures volume, not weight. Different ingredients have different densities; for example, 1 cup of flour weighs less than 1 cup of sugar. Density affects how much mass fits into the same volume, so grams per cup change depending on ingredient type.
Can I use the same conversion for 1 cup of liquids other than water?
No, liquids with different densities will not convert equally. For instance, oil is less dense than water, so 1 cup of oil will weigh less than 236.588 grams. Each liquid requires its own density value to convert volume to mass accurately.
Is it accurate to use 236.588 grams for 1 cup in all recipes?
It depends on the ingredient. Using 236.588 grams is accurate for water and similar density liquids. For dry ingredients or liquids with different densities, this value can introduce errors. Measuring by weight with a scale is more precise for cooking and baking.
How can I convert cups to grams for solid ingredients?
To convert cups to grams for solids, you need the ingredient’s density or weight per cup. Many common ingredients have standard conversions published, like flour or sugar. Without ingredient-specific data, volume to weight conversions can be inaccurate.
What tools help me convert cups to grams accurately?
Digital kitchen scales provide accurate weight measurements. Using conversion charts specific to ingredients and measuring cups marked in milliliters also assist. Online calculators or apps that include density factors can improve precision in conversions.