Converting Grams to Cups for Basic Ingredients (2024)

For all other countries, including UK, NZ and Australia:

(Note: For most recipes, the difference between a US cup measure and those used in other countries is unlikely to affect the recipe. Hence, you will find that many publications will treat cup measures as the same in all countries.)

Butter

Chia Seeds

Cocoa Powder

Cornstarch (Cornflour)

Couscous (Uncooked)

Flour (Plain Flour, All-Purpose Flour or Self- Raising Flour, Unsifted)

Ground Almonds (Almond Meal)

Honey

Light Brown Sugar (lightly packed)

Parmesan (Finely Grated)

Polenta (fine polenta, quick cook)

Powdered Sugar (Icing Sugar or Confectioner’s Sugar)

Rice (Uncooked)

Rolled Oats (Oatmeal)

Sugar (Caster Sugar, Demerera Sugar, Superfine Sugar, Granulated Sugar)

Convert Grams to Cups

As an Australian, I grew up learning and using the metric system which is based on weights. Measuring ingredients in the kitchen typically involves a scale, although the Australian system is also impartial to measuring cups; I grew up learning to measure many wet and dry ingredients with measuring cups, whilst hard-to-measure ingredients (like meat and vegetables) were weighed using scales.

Since starting this blog, I have had to convert many of my recipes over to the American system which relies heavily on measuring cups and measuring spoons.

I find using weights to be a more accurate measurement than using measuring cups and spoons, especially in baking which requires exact measurements for a more successful result. And maybe because I grew up weighing ingredients, I find it to be quicker and easier.

Whilst using measuring cups and spoons can often be more convenient than pulling out the kitchen scale, they are more prone to giving inaccurate measurements as the weight can vary depending on whether the ingredients have been loosely, lightly or tightly packed. Also, not all measuring cups and spoons are accurately calibrated; I have many beautiful and colourful measuring cups from Anthrolopogie which are, sadly, not accurate at all.

Personally, I always weigh my ingredients when baking. But when I am cooking a savoury dish like a stew or stir-fry, I tend to rely on measuring cups more often for convenience.

Using Measuring Cups & Measuring Spoons

When using measuring cups or spoons, my preference is to use a brand like Cuisipro or Tupperware, which can be found in many professional kitchens and which can be relied upon to give accurate measurements.

To measure dry ingredients like flour or icing sugar (powdered sugar), you should scoop the ingredient into the measuring cup or spoon, then use a flat palette knife or similar to tap the ingredient into the vessel to fill any air pockets, and finally use the palette knife to level off the ingredient.

For liquid ingredients, I recommend using a glass Pyrex measuring jug which should be placed flat on the kitchen counter and read at eye-level when you are taking the measurement. For small quantities (up to 2 tablespoons), I use one of those tiny measuring shot glasses.

It makes sense to have several sets of measuring cups and spoons in the kitchen.

When buying new measuring cups (especially pretty ones which look good but their accuracy may be questionable), I always check their calibration against my Cuisipro set and Pyrex jug.

Using Digital Scales

When using kitchen scales, I highly recommend a digital scale. Most are very reliable, though you should find a good brand which is quite sensitive to give the most accurate readings.

The advantage of using a digital scale is that, for many recipes, you can use the same bowl (like the bowl of your stand mixer) to measure all of your ingredients; after you have added an ingredient, you simply press Tare or Reset to have the scale back at zero before weighing your next ingredient.

I highly recommend having a few spare batteries for the digital scale on hand, just in case the batteries die whilst you are in the midst of cooking.

Recipes on Eat, Little Bird

All recipes are tested using weight measurements and, where possible, I recommend that you also use the same, especially for baking recipes.

The US measurements (using measuring cups and spoons) are provided as a courtesy and are approximate. If in doubt, please use the weight measurements.