Powdered sugar, also called confectioners sugar or icing sugar, is finely ground sugar often mixed with a small amount of starch. It is used in buttercream, glazes, royal icing, whipped cream, and dusting desserts.
Powdered sugar is much lighter by volume than granulated sugar because the fine particles hold more air. Sifting, spooning, or packing can change the weight in a cup, so grams are helpful for smooth frosting and consistent icing texture.
Quick Powdered Sugar Conversion Reference
These common powdered sugar measurements are based on 1 unsifted cup = 120g. Use them for quick frosting and glaze checks before using the full chart below.
Powdered Sugar Cups to Grams Conversion Chart
Use this chart when a recipe lists powdered sugar in cups and you want to measure it in grams. The grams are based on 1 cup of powdered sugar = 120g. Tablespoons and teaspoons are included as helpful references for smaller measurements.
| Cups | Grams | Tablespoons | Teaspoons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 cup | 15g | 2 tbsp | 6 tsp |
| 1/4 cup | 30g | 4 tbsp | 12 tsp |
| 1/3 cup | 40g | 5.3 tbsp | 16 tsp |
| 1/2 cup | 60g | 8 tbsp | 24 tsp |
| 2/3 cup | 80g | 10.7 tbsp | 32 tsp |
| 3/4 cup | 90g | 12 tbsp | 36 tsp |
| 1 cup | 120g | 16 tbsp | 48 tsp |
| 1.25 cups | 150g | 20 tbsp | 60 tsp |
| 1.5 cups | 180g | 24 tbsp | 72 tsp |
| 1.75 cups | 210g | 28 tbsp | 84 tsp |
| 2 cups | 240g | 32 tbsp | 96 tsp |
| 2.5 cups | 300g | 40 tbsp | 120 tsp |
| 3 cups | 360g | 48 tbsp | 144 tsp |
| 4 cups | 480g | 64 tbsp | 192 tsp |
| 5 cups | 600g | 80 tbsp | 240 tsp |
Powdered Sugar Grams to Cups Conversion Chart
Use this chart when your recipe gives powdered sugar in grams but you want to understand the approximate cup measurement. To calculate powdered sugar grams to cups, divide the grams by 120. For example, 100g of powdered sugar is about 0.83 cups.
| Grams | Cups | Tablespoons | Teaspoons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10g | 0.08 cups | 1.3 tbsp | 4 tsp |
| 20g | 0.17 cups | 2.7 tbsp | 8 tsp |
| 25g | 0.21 cups | 3.3 tbsp | 10 tsp |
| 30g | 0.25 cups | 4 tbsp | 12 tsp |
| 40g | 0.33 cups | 5.3 tbsp | 16 tsp |
| 50g | 0.42 cups | 6.7 tbsp | 20 tsp |
| 75g | 0.63 cups | 10 tbsp | 30 tsp |
| 100g | 0.83 cups | 13.3 tbsp | 40 tsp |
| 125g | 1.04 cups | 16.7 tbsp | 50 tsp |
| 150g | 1.25 cups | 20 tbsp | 60 tsp |
| 175g | 1.46 cups | 23.3 tbsp | 70 tsp |
| 200g | 1.67 cups | 26.7 tbsp | 80 tsp |
| 225g | 1.88 cups | 30 tbsp | 90 tsp |
| 250g | 2.08 cups | 33.3 tbsp | 100 tsp |
| 300g | 2.50 cups | 40 tbsp | 120 tsp |
| 350g | 2.92 cups | 46.7 tbsp | 140 tsp |
| 400g | 3.33 cups | 53.3 tbsp | 160 tsp |
| 450g | 3.75 cups | 60 tbsp | 180 tsp |
| 500g | 4.17 cups | 66.7 tbsp | 200 tsp |
How to Convert Powdered Sugar Cups to Grams
To convert powdered sugar from cups to grams, multiply the number of cups by 120. This page uses 1 cup of powdered sugar = 120 grams, which is a practical average for everyday baking.
grams = cups x 120 For example, if a recipe calls for 2 cups of powdered sugar, the calculation is 2 x 120 = 240 grams. If it calls for 1/2 cup, the calculation is 0.5 x 120 = 60 grams.
How to Convert Powdered Sugar Grams to Cups
To convert powdered sugar from grams to cups, divide the gram amount by 120. This is useful when a recipe gives metric measurements but you want an approximate cup measurement.
cups = grams / 120 For example, 100g of powdered sugar is 100 / 120 = 0.83 cups. This is close to 13.3 tablespoons. Grams are still more reliable than cups because small measuring differences can change the texture of the final recipe.
Why Powdered Sugar Cup Weight Changes So Much
Powdered sugar can be fluffy, sifted, settled, or packed. A sifted cup weighs less than an unsifted cup because sifting adds air and breaks up clumps.
This calculator uses 120g per unsifted cup as a practical average. If your recipe says sifted powdered sugar, follow the recipe wording because the cup weight may be lower.
How to Measure Powdered Sugar for Frosting and Icing
For the smoothest and most repeatable frostings, weigh powdered sugar in grams. This is especially useful for buttercream, glaze thickness, and royal icing consistency.
If you are using cups, lightly spoon powdered sugar into the measuring cup and level it. Do not pack it unless the recipe specifically says packed powdered sugar.
If powdered sugar is clumpy, sift it after measuring unless the recipe says sift before measuring. Sifting before measuring can make the cup lighter.
Powdered Sugar Baking Notes
Powdered sugar dissolves quickly, which makes it useful for frosting, icing, glaze, whipped cream, and dusting finished desserts.
It is not a direct cup-for-cup replacement for granulated sugar in many baked goods. Powdered sugar has a different texture, different cup weight, and often contains starch.
For buttercream, the exact amount of powdered sugar affects sweetness, stiffness, and spreadability. Add liquid slowly after measuring because frosting can go from thick to loose quickly.
Powdered Sugar vs Granulated Sugar
Powdered sugar is much lighter by cup than granulated sugar. This calculator uses 120g per cup for powdered sugar, while granulated sugar is commonly about 200g per cup.
Because powdered sugar contains fine particles and often a little starch, it behaves differently in recipes. It is best for frostings, icings, and dusting rather than replacing granulated sugar in every batter.
brown sugar is different again because it contains molasses and is usually packed. Use the calculator for the exact sugar named in your recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grams in a cup of powdered sugar?
One unsifted cup of powdered sugar is approximately 120 grams. This converter uses 120g per cup as a practical average.
How many cups is 100g of powdered sugar?
100 grams of powdered sugar is approximately 0.83 cups, or about 13.3 tablespoons.
How many grams is 1/2 cup of powdered sugar?
One half cup of powdered sugar is approximately 60 grams, based on 120g per cup.
Is powdered sugar the same as icing sugar?
Yes, powdered sugar is often called icing sugar or confectioners sugar. Names vary by country and recipe source.
Should powdered sugar be sifted before measuring?
Follow the recipe wording. If it says sifted powdered sugar, sift before measuring. If it says powdered sugar, sifted, measure first and sift afterward.
Can I replace granulated sugar with powdered sugar?
Not directly in most recipes. Powdered sugar has a different texture, lower cup weight, and often contains starch, so it changes how batters and doughs behave.
Why do powdered sugar gram values vary?
Powdered sugar values vary because sifting, settling, clumps, and packing change how much fits in a cup. This calculator uses 120g per unsifted cup as a practical average.
Conclusion
For most recipes, you can estimate powdered sugar at 120 grams per unsifted cup. That means 1/2 cup is about 60g, 1 cup is 120g, and 2 cups is 240g.
Use the calculator above for quick conversions, then use the charts and measuring notes on this page when you need a complete powdered sugar reference.
More Sugar Conversion Calculators
If your recipe uses a different sugar, use the matching calculator because granulated, brown, and powdered sugar have different cup-to-gram weights. See the full category on the Food Conversion page.
More Baking Conversion Tools
You may also need flour measurements when adjusting baking recipes.