Updated 28 July 2026 · Written by Sofia Romano
A cup of granulated white sugar weighs about 200 grams. Packed brown sugar is similar at around 220 grams, while powdered, or icing, sugar is lighter at about 120 grams per cup. Weighing sugar gives the most consistent baking results.
1 cup granulated sugar is about 200 g. Packed brown sugar ~220 g, powdered sugar ~120 g.
Sugar Weighs Differently by Type
Granulated sugar is dense and consistent at about 200 grams per cup. Brown sugar is measured packed, giving around 220 grams, while powdered sugar is airy and light at roughly 120 grams. Always check which sugar a recipe means.
Packed vs Loose Brown Sugar
Recipes almost always mean packed brown sugar, pressed firmly into the cup. Loose brown sugar weighs much less, so packing matters for the result.
Quick Reference
| Sugar type | Grams per cup |
|---|---|
| Granulated white | ~200 g |
| Packed brown | ~220 g |
| Powdered (icing) | ~120 g |
| Caster | ~200 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grams in a cup of brown sugar?
Packed brown sugar is about 220 grams per cup. Recipes usually mean it packed firmly into the cup.
Is caster sugar the same weight as granulated?
Roughly yes, about 200 grams per cup, as caster sugar is just a finer granulated sugar.
