Icing Sugar in Grams: How Many Grams in a Cup?

Convert icing sugar from cups to grams and ounces with precision for any recipe.

Reviewed by Shree • Last checked October 2026 • How we measure • Source: USDA FoodData Central
Instant Answer Standard Cup Weight

1 cup of icing sugar weighs 120 grams.

120 grams

≈ 4.23 oz (weight)

Level cup, spooned in (not packed)
⚖️

Interactive Converter

Quick Picks

1 cup of Icing sugar weighs 120 grams.

120 grams ≈ 4.23 oz
Standard Cup ⚖️

120g (4.23 oz)

Level, unpacked US cup
Also Called 🏷️

Icing sugar

US & UK alternative names
Accuracy Tip 💡

Spoon into cup & level off with a knife.

Prevent packing errors

Icing sugar cups to grams

Complete conversion reference chart for standard US cup measurements to grams and ounces.

Icing sugar cups to grams conversion chart
Cups (US) Grams (g) Ounces (oz) Tablespoons (tbsp)
1/8 cup 15g 0.53 oz 2 tbsp
1/4 cup 30g 1.1 oz 4 tbsp
1/3 cup 40g 1.4 oz 5.3 tbsp
1/2 cup 60g 2.1 oz 8 tbsp
2/3 cup 80g 2.8 oz 10.7 tbsp
3/4 cup 90g 3.2 oz 12 tbsp
1 cup 120g 4.2 oz 16 tbsp
1 1/2 cups 180g 6.3 oz 24 tbsp
2 cups 240g 8.5 oz 32 tbsp
3 cups 360g 12.7 oz 48 tbsp
4 cups 480g 16.93 oz 64 tbsp
5 cups 600g 21.16 oz 80 tbsp

1 cup of icing sugar (powdered sugar) weighs 120 grams. Icing sugar compresses easily and can clump — sift it before measuring for the most accurate cup, or weigh it directly for consistent results.

You may see this written as icing sugar (UK) or powdered sugar / confectioners' sugar (US). It is the same food, so the weights are identical. We list both because our readers search both ways.

For the most accurate results, weigh your icing sugar with a digital kitchen scale — the values below assume a level, unpacked cup.

Icing sugar ounces to grams

Ounces Grams Cups
1 oz 28g 0.24 cups
2 oz 57g 0.47 cups
3 oz 85g 0.71 cups
4 oz 113g 0.94 cups
6 oz 170g 1.42 cups
8 oz 227g 1.89 cups
10 oz 283g 2.36 cups
12 oz 340g 2.83 cups
16 oz 454g 3.78 cups

Frequently asked questions

How many grams is 1 cup of icing sugar?

1 cup of icing sugar weighs 120g.

How many grams is 1/2 cup of icing sugar?

1/2 cup of icing sugar weighs 60g.

How many grams is 1/4 cup of icing sugar?

1/4 cup of icing sugar weighs 30g.

How many cups is 100g of icing sugar?

100g of icing sugar is approximately 0.83 cups.

How many grams is 2 cups of icing sugar?

2 cups of icing sugar weighs 240g.

How many grams is 1/3 cup of icing sugar?

1/3 cup of icing sugar weighs 39.6g.

How many ounces is 1 cup of icing sugar?

1 cup of icing sugar weighs approximately 4.2 ounces (120g).

How many grams is 3 cups of icing sugar?

3 cups of icing sugar weighs 360g.

Practical baking & cooking tips for icing sugar

  • Always sift icing sugar through a fine sieve to eliminate stubborn starch clumps before making glazes.
  • In American buttercream, add sifted icing sugar in three stages to prevent a grainy texture.
  • If out of powdered sugar, blend 1 cup granulated white sugar (200g) with 1 tbsp cornstarch in a high-speed blender on high for 60 seconds.

Common substitutions for icing sugar

Substitutions for icing sugar
Substitute Ratio Kitchen Notes
Homemade powdered sugar 190g granulated sugar + 10g cornstarch Blend until ultra-fine; identical culinary performance
Caster sugar 1:1 only in cooked syrups Do not substitute in uncooked buttercreams or glazes (will remain gritty)

Why accuracy matters for icing sugar

Icing sugar contains cornstarch to prevent caking and is milled into micro-fine crystals. Because it aerates heavily, a sifted cup can weigh 100g while an unsifted, settled cup weighs 130g—drastically altering buttercream consistency.

Who needs grams for icing sugar?

Pastry chefs, royal icing decorators, and macaron makers demanding silky smooth finishes.

Common mistakes to avoid with icing sugar

  • Using icing sugar instead of granulated sugar in recipes that require structure.
  • Not sifting icing sugar before mixing, leading to lumps in frosting.
  • Using icing sugar in place of caster sugar in delicate cakes.

Icing sugar in other kitchen units

Popular ingredient conversions

Quickly convert top baking and cooking staples from cups to grams.

Back to all ingredients