For cookies: sugar ratio drives spread and caramelization.
1 cup of Powdered Sugar in ounces
Reviewed by CupOrGram Editorial TeamData methodology: NIST-derived density references + recipe testing notesMethodology
Answer
4.7 ounces
Based on powdered sugar density of 0.56 g/ml
Source: NIST-DB-72
Shop scales ↗
Affiliate link. No extra cost to you.
Need a substitute for Powdered Sugar?
We have 1 tested substitutions with exact ratios.
View substitutions →Quick Reference Table
| cups | ounces |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cups | 1.2 ounces |
| 1/3 cups | 1.5 ounces |
| 1/2 cups | 2.3 ounces |
| 1 cups | 4.7 ounces |
| 1.50 cups | 7.0 ounces |
| 2 cups | 9.3 ounces |
| 3 cups | 14.0 ounces |
| 4 cups | 18.7 ounces |
Custom Amount
Quick Convert
Density-accurate conversions for baking
4.7
ounces
Science Note: Precision within +/-0.002g
Accuracy: +/-0.002gHow this is calculatedWe multiply the volume by the ingredient's specific density (g/ml) from NIST-standardized reference data. This accounts for how tightly each ingredient packs, giving accuracy within +/-0.002g.Source: NIST-DB-72
Why this conversion matters
Powdered Sugar has a density of 0.56 g/ml, which means it's moderately light — a cup weighs less than you might expect. Using weight-based measurements gives you consistent results every time.
Recipe Context for Powdered Sugar
For cakes: sugar level affects tenderness and moisture retention.
For frostings: weight gives repeatable texture batch to batch.
Common Pitfalls
- Switching brands without re-checking weight can change texture and bake time.
- Using volume-only measurements for dense ingredients can overshoot recipe targets.
- Packed vs unpacked sugar measurements are not interchangeable.
Brand Variance Example
Baseline on this page: 1 cup powdered sugar = 120g. Real-world range can shift by about 8% because granule size, packing, and moisture level shift how much sugar fits in a cup.
Example for 2 cups: baseline 240g, common range 220g-260g. If your bake is texture-sensitive, start with the lower bound and adjust after a test batch.