Cup and Spoon Measurements in Grams
See the volume equivalents for water glasses, tea glasses and spoon measures, along with approximate gram values for ingredients such as flour, sugar, water and oil.
Quick Answer
The gram equivalent of a cup or spoon measure is not a single number because weight depends on the ingredient’s density as well as the volume of the cup or spoon. In the Mayana guide, the standard measures are 1 water glass = 200 ml, 1 tea glass = 100 ml, 1 tablespoon = 15 ml, 1 dessert spoon = 10 ml and 1 teaspoon = 5 ml. For precise baking, a kitchen scale remains the most reliable method.
In This Guide
Key Reasons
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At the same 200 ml volume, water weighs approximately 200 grams, while flour is much lighter because it traps air. Ingredients such as sugar, oil, honey and cocoa also have different densities. Therefore, the rule 1 water glass = 200 grams is only an approximation for liquids with a density close to water.
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Whether the flour is sifted, whether it is pressed into the glass, and whether the spoon is level or heaped can change the result.
Proper Application
| Measurement | Volume | Water/Milk | Flour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 200 ml | ≈200 g | ≈110–120 g |
| 1 tea glass | 100 ml | ≈100 g | ≈55–60 g |
| 1 tablespoon | 15 ml | ≈15 g | ≈8–9 g |
| 1 dessert spoon | 10 ml | ≈10 g | ≈5–6 g |
| 1 teaspoon | 5 ml | ≈5 g | ≈3 g |
| Measurement | Granulated sugar | Oil | Melted butter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | ≈170–180 g | ≈180–185 g | ≈180 g |
| 1 tea glass | ≈85–90 g | ≈90–92 g | ≈90 g |
| 1 tablespoon | ≈12–13 g | ≈14 g | ≈14 g |
Common Mistakes
Assuming 1 ml = 1 g for every ingredient
Why it causes problems: Flour, sugar, and oil have different densities from water, so the recipe measurement can vary significantly.
Correct use: Convert grams based on the specific ingredient.
Packing flour into the cup
Why it causes problems: More flour fits into the same volume, so the cake or dough may be drier than intended.
Correct use: Loosely fill the cup with flour and level it off, or weigh it directly.
Treating a level tablespoon and a heaping tablespoon as the same
Why it causes problems: This can significantly change the proportion, especially for leaveners, salt, and spices.
Correct use: Unless the recipe specifies otherwise, use a level spoon for standard conversions.
Mayana's Recommendation
- Mayana recommendation: In recipe content, provide both the volume and weight, such as 1 cup of flour (approximately 115 g), to reduce user error.
- Using a scale gives more consistent results than cup measurements for cakes, bread, and baking.
- For dense ingredients such as honey, molasses, and tahini, use an ingredient-specific conversion.
Additional Information
The physical volume of cups and spoons used at home can vary. The measurements here are a fixed content standard for Mayana. Because flour weights can vary depending on sifting, brand, moisture, and how it is filled, they are given as an approximate range.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ml are in 1 cup?
In the Mayana standard, 1 cup is considered 200 ml.
How many grams are in 1 cup of flour?
A 200 ml cup of flour filled without packing weighs approximately 110–120 grams.
How many ml are in 1 tablespoon?
In a standard measuring spoon, 1 tablespoon is considered 15 ml.
Does 1 cup weigh the same in grams for every ingredient?
No. Even when the volume is the same, the weight in grams varies because ingredients have different densities.
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