For laminated dough: temperature and exact fat mass impact layer definition.
1 tablespoon of Sour Cream in grams
Reviewed by CupOrGram Editorial TeamData methodology: NIST-derived density references + recipe testing notesMethodology
Answer
14.2 grams
Based on sour cream density of 0.96 g/ml
Source: NIST-DB-72
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Need a substitute for Sour Cream?
We have 2 tested substitutions with exact ratios.
View substitutions →Quick Reference Table
| tablespoons | grams |
|---|---|
| 1/2 tablespoons | 7.1 grams |
| 1 tablespoons | 14.2 grams |
| 2 tablespoons | 28.4 grams |
| 3 tablespoons | 42.6 grams |
| 4 tablespoons | 56.8 grams |
| 5 tablespoons | 71.0 grams |
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Density-accurate conversions for baking
14.2
grams
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
Sour Cream has a density of 0.96 g/ml, which means it's close to the density of water. Using weight-based measurements gives you consistent results every time.
Recipe Context for Sour Cream
For creaming methods: weight keeps butter-to-sugar balance stable.
For custards: tight dairy ratios reduce curdling risk.
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.
- Butter and dairy temperature affects emulsion stability and spread.
Brand Variance Example
Baseline on this page: 1 cup sour cream = 230g. Real-world range can shift by about 6% because temperature and fat phase (solid vs softened vs melted) change effective volume.
Example for 2 cups: baseline 460g, common range 432g-488g. If your bake is texture-sensitive, start with the lower bound and adjust after a test batch.