Caster Sugar — Cups to Grams
1 cup of caster sugar = 200 grams
1 cup of caster sugar weighs approximately 200 grams. Use the converter below for custom amounts, or check the full conversion table.
Caster Sugar Converter
Result
200 g
Why Does Caster Sugar Weigh 200g Per Cup?
Caster sugar is denser than flour but lighter than water. Its fine, uniform crystals pack more efficiently than granulated sugar, which is why the same volume weighs slightly more. Unlike flour, sugar doesn't compress much when scooped, making cup measurements more reliable — but still not as accurate as weighing.
A cup of caster sugar weighs about 200g — nearly twice as much as a cup of flour (125g), but less than a cup of honey (340g). The fine crystals dissolve faster than granulated sugar, which is why it's preferred for baking.
When Does Precision Matter for Caster Sugar?
Sugar precision matters most in delicate baked goods where it affects structure, not just sweetness. In meringues and macarons, the sugar-to-egg-white ratio is critical — too little sugar and meringue won't hold peaks; too much and it becomes grainy. In caramel and candy-making, precision is essential for reaching correct temperatures. For cookies and cakes, being off by 10-15% usually won't ruin the recipe, though it affects texture and browning. In beverages, sauces, and fruit desserts, precision matters least — adjust to taste.
How to Measure Caster Sugar Correctly
Caster sugar should be measured by spooning it into the measuring cup and levelling it off. Unlike brown sugar, it should not be packed. For the most accurate measurements, especially in delicate recipes like meringues or sponge cakes, use a kitchen scale. The fine texture means it can settle, so give it a light stir before measuring if it's been stored for a while.
Understanding Caster Sugar Measurements
Caster sugar (also called superfine sugar) is finely granulated sugar that dissolves quickly, making it ideal for baking. One cup of caster sugar weighs approximately 200 grams. Its fine texture means it measures differently than regular granulated sugar, though the weight per cup is similar.
Common Uses in Baking & Cooking
Caster sugar is preferred in recipes where quick dissolution is important, such as meringues, sponge cakes, and custards. It's also excellent for making syrups and sweetening beverages. In the UK, caster sugar is the standard for most baking, while in the US, regular granulated sugar is more common but can often be substituted. If you need a substitute, see our Caster Sugar substitution guide.
Storage and Handling Tips
Store caster sugar in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It has a long shelf life and doesn't require refrigeration. If it becomes clumpy due to humidity, you can break it up with a fork or process it briefly in a food processor.
Need to convert caster sugar to other units? Try our cups to grams converter or tablespoons to grams converter.
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Caster Sugar Conversion Table
| Amount | Grams | Ounces |
|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon | 4.17g | 0.15 oz |
| 1 tablespoon | 12.5g | 0.44 oz |
| ¼ cup | 50g | 1.76 oz |
| ⅓ cup | 66.7g | 2.35 oz |
| ½ cup | 100g | 3.53 oz |
| ⅔ cup | 133g | 4.7 oz |
| ¾ cup | 150g | 5.29 oz |
| 1 cup | 200g | 7.05 oz |
| 1½ cups | 300g | 10.6 oz |
| 2 cups | 400g | 14.1 oz |
Caster Sugar — US, Metric & UK Cup Conversions
Cup sizes vary by country. This table shows how much caster sugar weighs when measured with US cups (most online recipes), metric cups (Australia, NZ, Canada), or UK/Imperial cups.
| Amount | US Cup(236.6 ml) | Metric Cup(250 ml) | UK Cup(284 ml) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¼ cup | 50g | 52.8g | 60g |
| ⅓ cup | 66.7g | 70.4g | 80.1g |
| ½ cup | 100g | 106g | 120g |
| ⅔ cup | 133g | 141g | 160g |
| ¾ cup | 150g | 159g | 180g |
| 1 cup | 200g | 211g | 240g |
| 1½ cups | 300g | 317g | 360g |
| 2 cups | 400g | 423g | 480g |
Note: US cups (236.6 ml) are standard in most online recipes. Metric cups (250 ml, used in Australia, NZ, Canada) hold 5.7% more. UK/Imperial cups (284 ml) hold 20% more than US cups.
Need a Substitute?
Out of caster sugar? We've got 3 tested alternatives with exact ratios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute granulated sugar for caster sugar?▼
Why do UK recipes use caster sugar instead of regular sugar?▼
How many grams is 1 cup of caster sugar?▼
What's the difference between caster sugar and powdered sugar?▼
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Values are approximate and can vary depending on how the ingredient is measured. For precision baking, we recommend using a digital kitchen scale.