Coconut Milk — Cups to Grams

1 cup of coconut milk = 240 grams

1 cup of coconut milk weighs approximately 240 grams. Use the converter below for custom amounts, or check the full conversion table.

Coconut Milk Converter

Amount

Result

240 g

Why Does Coconut Milk Weigh 240g Per Cup?

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Coconut milk is almost exactly the same density as water — at 240g per cup versus water's 237g, it's essentially 1:1. This makes it easy to substitute in recipes calling for water or milk by volume. The fat content makes it slightly lighter than you might expect for such a rich liquid. Coconut cream is slightly denser due to higher fat concentration.

A cup of coconut milk (240g) weighs almost the same as a cup of regular milk (244g) or water (237g). It's much lighter than condensed milk (306g) despite appearing thick. Coconut cream, being more concentrated, weighs about the same per cup but contains more fat and less water.

When Does Precision Matter for Coconut Milk?

Coconut milk precision matters most in curries and soups where it determines richness and consistency. In Thai curries, the coconut milk-to-curry paste ratio affects both flavour intensity and texture. For vegan whipped cream, use only the solid cream portion — liquid will prevent whipping. In baking, being off by 10-15% rarely matters. For smoothies and as a dairy alternative, adjust to taste.

How to Measure Coconut Milk Correctly

For canned coconut milk, shake the can vigorously before opening to recombine the cream and liquid, then measure in a liquid measuring cup. If a recipe calls for "coconut cream," scoop the solid portion from an unshaken can. For carton coconut milk, just pour and measure. For accuracy, weigh it — 1 cup = 240g. Room temperature coconut milk is easier to incorporate than cold.

Understanding Coconut Milk Measurements

Coconut milk is made by blending coconut flesh with water and straining. One cup weighs approximately 240 grams. Canned coconut milk is thick and rich (13-18% fat); carton coconut milk (the dairy alternative) is thin and diluted (1-2% fat). They're not interchangeable. Canned coconut milk naturally separates — the thick cream rises to the top, leaving thinner liquid below. Full-fat and "lite" canned versions differ significantly in richness.

Common Uses in Baking & Cooking

Canned coconut milk is essential in Thai curries, Indian dishes, and Southeast Asian soups (like tom kha). It adds creaminess to vegan desserts, smoothies, and dairy-free ice cream. The thick cream can be whipped like dairy cream. Carton coconut milk is used as a dairy alternative in cereal, coffee, and baking. Coconut milk rice is a popular side dish across many cuisines. If you need a substitute, see our Coconut Milk substitution guide.

Storage and Handling Tips

Store unopened canned coconut milk at room temperature for up to 2-5 years (check the date). Once opened, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate — use within 4-5 days. It will solidify when cold; this is normal. Carton coconut milk follows the same rules as dairy milk: refrigerate and use within 7-10 days of opening. Both can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Need to convert coconut milk to other units? Try our cups to grams converter or tablespoons to grams converter.

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Coconut Milk Conversion Table

Amount	Grams	Ounces
1 teaspoon	5g	0.18 oz
1 tablespoon	15g	0.53 oz
¼ cup	60g	2.12 oz
⅓ cup	80g	2.82 oz
½ cup	120g	4.23 oz
⅔ cup	160g	5.64 oz
¾ cup	180g	6.35 oz
1 cup	240g	8.47 oz
1½ cups	360g	12.7 oz
2 cups	480g	16.9 oz

Coconut Milk — US, Metric & UK Cup Conversions

Cup sizes vary by country. This table shows how much coconut milk 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	60g	63.4g	72.1g
⅓ cup	80g	84.5g	96.1g
½ cup	120g	127g	144g
⅔ cup	160g	169g	192g
¾ cup	180g	190g	216g
1 cup	240g	254g	288g
1½ cups	360g	380g	432g
2 cups	480g	507g	576g

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 coconut milk? We've got 2 tested alternatives with exact ratios.

Heavy Cream(1:1)

Whole Milk(1:1)

See all alternatives for Coconut Milk →

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between canned coconut milk and carton coconut milk?▼

Canned coconut milk is thick and rich (13-18% fat), made for cooking curries, soups, and desserts. Carton coconut milk is a diluted dairy alternative (1-2% fat), made for drinking and pouring on cereal. They're not interchangeable — using carton coconut milk in curry would produce thin, watery results. Always use canned for cooking unless a recipe specifically says otherwise.

How do I get coconut cream from a can of coconut milk?▼

Refrigerate a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight without shaking it. The thick cream will solidify at the top. Open the can and scoop out the solid cream, leaving the watery liquid behind. This cream can be whipped like dairy cream. "Lite" coconut milk won't separate well because it has less fat.

Can I substitute coconut milk for dairy milk in baking?▼

Yes, canned coconut milk can replace dairy milk 1:1 in most baking recipes. It adds a subtle coconut flavour and slightly more richness. For recipes requiring low-fat milk, use "lite" canned coconut milk or carton coconut milk. The results will be slightly different in texture but generally work well. Coconut milk works especially well in tropical-flavoured bakes.

How many grams in 1 cup of coconut milk?▼

One US cup of coconut milk weighs approximately 240 grams, whether canned or carton. In a metric cup (250ml), it's about 250g. In a UK Imperial cup (284ml), it's about 284g. Coconut milk is almost exactly the same density as water.

Why did my coconut milk curdle in my curry?▼

Coconut milk can curdle when exposed to high heat or acidic ingredients (like tomatoes or citrus). To prevent curdling: add coconut milk toward the end of cooking, keep heat at a simmer (not a boil), and stir gently. If using with acidic ingredients, add the coconut milk last. Some curdling is normal and doesn't affect flavour — stir to recombine.

Related Converters

Cups to Grams Cups to Ounces Tablespoons to Grams Teaspoons to Grams

Values are approximate and can vary depending on how the ingredient is measured. For precision baking, we recommend using a digital kitchen scale.