Digital Kitchen Scale
Essential for cup-to-gram accuracy and repeatable bakes.
Shop scales ↗Acidic white powder used to stabilize egg whites, prevent sugar crystallization, and activate baking soda.
Also Called
tartaric acidcream tartar
Properties
Density Index
0.69 g/cm3
1 Cup Weight
162g
Texture
Powder
Category
Baking
Top Substitute
Lemon Juice
Use 2 teaspoons lemon juice per 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Works for acidity, but adds liquid and flavor.
Most-used links for Cream of Tartar
Conversion
Cream of Tartar cups to grams
1 cup = 162g
Conversion
Cream of Tartar grams to cups
Reverse the most common baking lookup.
Conversion
Cream of Tartar tablespoons to grams
Useful for small-batch adjustments and spoon measures.
Best Substitute
Lemon Juice
Use 2 teaspoons lemon juice per 1 teaspoon cream of tartar for the closest starting point.
Conversions
| cups | grams |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cups | 41.0 grams |
| 1/3 cups | 53.0 grams |
| 1/2 cups | 81.0 grams |
| 1 cups | 162 grams |
| 1.50 cups | 243 grams |
| 2 cups | 324 grams |
| 3 cups | 486 grams |
| 4 cups | 648 grams |
Figures use the US cup (236.6 ml).
Density: 0.69 g/ml
Quick Convert
Ingredient-specific, density-based conversions for baking
1 cups of Cream of Tartar equals 163 grams
Ingredient-specific · density-based
Cup size
Based on us cup (236.6 ml) · density data from baking references and our own measurements.Recommended Tools & Pantry Picks for Cream of Tartar
Optional shopping references for bakers who want to compare tools and pantry options related to cream of tartar.
Measuring Cup & Spoon Set
Useful for quick volume checks before converting to weight.
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Substitutions for Cream of Tartar
Lemon Juice
moderate2 teaspoons lemon juice per 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Works for acidity, but adds liquid and flavor.
Lemon juice provides acid but changes batter hydration.
Baking Powder
goodUse 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder for 1 teaspoon cream of tartar plus 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Useful when cream of tartar is paired with baking soda.
Baking powder already combines acid and alkali, so it can replace the leavening system in some recipes.
Storage Tips
Store airtight in a cool, dry place. Replace if clumped or stale.
Baking Science
Cream of tartar is potassium bitartrate. Its acidity strengthens whipped egg white foams and balances alkaline baking soda in cookies and cakes.
Recipe Context
For chemical leavening: small weight changes alter rise and browning.
For quick breads: over-leavening can cause collapse after oven spring.
For cookies: balance leavening with acid source for predictable spread.
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.
- Expired leaveners can underperform even when measured correctly.
Brand Variance & Measuring Method
Baseline reference: 1 cup cream of tartar = 162g. In real kitchens, a practical range is usually 152g-172g per cup (6% band).
Why this happens: fine powders and leaveners settle during storage, changing cup density.
Figures use the US cup (236.6 ml).Common Questions
How many grams is 1 cup of cream of tartar?
1 cup of cream of tartar weighs 162 grams.
What can I substitute for cream of tartar?
Lemon Juice (2 teaspoons lemon juice per 1 teaspoon cream of tartar), Baking Powder (Use 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder for 1 teaspoon cream of tartar plus 1/2 teaspoon baking soda)