Critical Measuring Note
Brown sugar MUST be packed firmly into the measuring cup. Unpacked brown sugar yields only about 150g per cup (compared to 220g packed). Failing to pack brown sugar is the most common measurement error and will significantly under-sweeten and dry out your recipe.
Packed Brown Sugar Conversion Table
Based on US Customary cups (236.6 ml) with firmly packed brown sugar.
| Grams (g) | Cups (Decimal) | Cups (Fraction) |
|---|---|---|
| 25g | 0.11 cups | ~ ⅛ cup |
| 50g | 0.23 cups | ~ ¼ cup |
| 55g | 0.25 cups | ¼ cup |
| 73g | 0.33 cups | ⅓ cup |
| 100g | 0.45 cups | ~ ½ cup |
| 110g | 0.50 cups | ½ cup |
| 165g | 0.75 cups | ¾ cup |
| 200g | 0.91 cups | ~ 1 cup |
| 220g | 1.00 cup | 1 cup |
| 250g | 1.14 cups | 1 ⅛ cups |
| 330g | 1.50 cups | 1 ½ cups |
| 440g | 2.00 cups | 2 cups |
Sugar Type Comparison
See how packed brown sugar compares in density to other common sugars.
| Sugar Type | Weight per 1 Cup |
|---|---|
| Granulated (white) sugar | 200g |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 220g |
| Brown sugar (unpacked) | ~150g |
| Powdered sugar | 120g |
| Raw/turbinado sugar | 200g |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grams is 1 cup of brown sugar?
1 cup of brown sugar is 220 grams (packed).
What happens if I don't pack the brown sugar?
Unpacked, 1 cup of brown sugar weighs only about 150g — 70g less than packed. This would significantly under-sweeten your recipe.
Is dark brown sugar heavier than light brown sugar?
No — the difference is molasses content (3.5% vs 6.5%), not density. Both weigh approximately 220g per packed cup.
What is 200g of brown sugar in cups?
200g of packed brown sugar is approximately 0.91 cups (just under 1 cup).
Can I substitute brown sugar for white sugar by cups?
Yes, 1 cup brown sugar (220g packed) can replace 1 cup white sugar (200g) in most recipes, though the extra molasses adds moisture.