Half Cup of Active Dry Yeast in Grams

1/2 cup of active dry yeast weighs 68g (2.4 oz, 120ml) according to USDA FoodData Central (1 cup active dry yeast = 136g, spooned and leveled method). 1/2 cup = 0.5 of a full cup (240ml). See the full conversion table below for all amounts from 1 tablespoon to 3 cups.

1/2 Cup
68g
2.4 oz
1/2 Cup → ml
120ml
0.567 g/ml density
1 cup reference
136g
USDA standard

Active Dry Yeast Cup-to-Gram Conversion Table

Full range from 1 tablespoon to 3 cups. The highlighted row shows 1/2 cup.

AmountGrams
1 tbsp8.5g
2 tbsp17g
1/8 cup17g
1/4 cup34g
1/3 cup45.33g
1/2 cupthis page68g
2/3 cup90.67g
3/4 cup102g
1 cup136g
1 1/4 cups170g
1 1/2 cups204g
1 3/4 cups238g
2 cups272g
2 1/2 cups340g
3 cups408g

Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 18375). 1 US cup = 240ml. Values use spooned-and-leveled method.

1/2 Cup of Different Ingredients — Weight Comparison

1/2 cup of different ingredients varies widely in weight because each has a different density. This matters when substituting ingredients in recipes.

Ingredient1/2 Cup (g)
Active Dry Yeastcurrent68g
Baking Powder115g
Baking Soda115g
Cream of Tartar119.5g

All values use USDA FoodData Central spooned-and-leveled method. Click any ingredient to see its full conversion table.

Measuring Active Dry Yeast Accurately

Why weight matters: 1/2 cup of active dry yeast can weigh anywhere from 58g to 82g depending on how you measure it. The USDA standard is 68g (spooned and leveled). Scooping directly from the container can add 10–20% extra weight, which affects recipe results — especially in baking.

About active dry yeast density: Active dry yeast: 1 packet (2.25 tsp) = 7g. Instant yeast weighs about the same per volume. 1 tablespoon = 8.5g. Yeast granules are irregular — this is an average. Standard packet is 1/4 oz = 7g.

Spoon & Level
68g
USDA standard — most accurate for volume cups
Scooped (packed)
~78g
10–20% heavier — avoid for precision baking
Kitchen Scale
68g
Most reliable — eliminates technique variation

About 1/2 Cup as a Measurement

1/2 cup (120ml) is the most common single-serving measurement in baking. It equals 8 tablespoons or 24 teaspoons. Most standard muffin recipes call for 1/2 cup of flour per 6 muffins.

Half cup is a standard baking unit used in muffins, quick breads, pancakes, and cookie doughs. It represents exactly half of a US standard measuring cup (240ml).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many grams is 1/2 cup of active dry yeast?

1/2 cup of active dry yeast weighs 68 grams (2.4 oz, 120ml). Based on USDA FoodData Central: 1 cup active dry yeast = 136g, so 1/2 cup = 136 × 0.500 = 68g.

Is 1/2 cup of active dry yeast the same weight every time?

The weight can vary slightly depending on measuring technique. Spooned and leveled gives 68g. Scooped (packed) can be 10–20% heavier. Sifted gives a lighter weight. The USDA standard (spooned and leveled) of 68g is the most reliable baseline for recipes.

How do I accurately measure 1/2 cup of active dry yeast?

For accuracy, use a kitchen scale and weigh 68g of active dry yeast. If using measuring cups, spoon the active dry yeast lightly into a 1/2 Cup measuring cup and level off the top with a straight edge. Avoid scooping directly from the container, which compacts the ingredient and adds extra weight.

How does 1/2 cup of active dry yeast compare to other ingredients?

1/2 cup of different ingredients varies significantly: Active Dry Yeast = 68g, Baking Powder = 115g, Baking Soda = 115g. This is because each ingredient has a different density.

Other Amounts for Active Dry Yeast

Data source: USDA FoodData Central SR Legacy (FDC ID: 18375). View original USDA record

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