Quarter Cup of Powdered Sugar in Grams

1/4 cup of powdered sugar weighs 30g (1.06 oz, 60ml) according to USDA FoodData Central (1 cup powdered sugar = 120g, spooned and leveled method). 1/4 cup = 0.25 of a full cup (240ml). See the full conversion table below for all amounts from 1 tablespoon to 3 cups.

1/4 Cup
30g
1.06 oz
1/4 Cup → ml
60ml
0.5 g/ml density
1 cup reference
120g
USDA standard

Powdered Sugar Cup-to-Gram Conversion Table

Full range from 1 tablespoon to 3 cups. The highlighted row shows 1/4 cup.

AmountGrams
1 tbsp7.5g
2 tbsp15g
1/8 cup15g
1/4 cupthis page30g
1/3 cup40g
1/2 cup60g
2/3 cup80g
3/4 cup90g
1 cup120g
1 1/4 cups150g
1 1/2 cups180g
1 3/4 cups210g
2 cups240g
2 1/2 cups300g
3 cups360g

Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 19336). 1 US cup = 240ml. Values use spooned-and-leveled method.

1/4 Cup of Different Ingredients — Weight Comparison

1/4 cup of different ingredients varies widely in weight because each has a different density. This matters when substituting ingredients in recipes.

Ingredient1/4 Cup (g)
Powdered Sugarcurrent30g
Granulated Sugar50g
Caster Sugar52.5g
Brown Sugar (packed)55g

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

Measuring Powdered Sugar Accurately

Why weight matters: 1/4 cup of powdered sugar can weigh anywhere from 26g to 36g depending on how you measure it. The USDA standard is 30g (spooned and leveled). Scooping directly from the container can add 10–20% extra weight, which affects recipe results — especially in baking.

About powdered sugar density: Powdered sugar (confectioners sugar, icing sugar) is much lighter than granulated. 1 cup unsifted = 120g. Sifted: ~100g. Always sift before using to remove lumps. Used for frosting, dusting, and recipes requiring smooth texture.

Spoon & Level
30g
USDA standard — most accurate for volume cups
Scooped (packed)
~35g
10–20% heavier — avoid for precision baking
Kitchen Scale
30g
Most reliable — eliminates technique variation

About 1/4 Cup as a Measurement

1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons = 60ml. This is the smallest cup measure on most measuring cup sets. Often used for mix-ins, garnishes, or add-in ingredients in baked goods.

Quarter cup appears frequently in salad dressings, sauces, and as a garnish portion. In baking, it's commonly used for nuts, chocolate chips, and dried fruit additions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many grams is 1/4 cup of powdered sugar?

1/4 cup of powdered sugar weighs 30 grams (1.06 oz, 60ml). Based on USDA FoodData Central: 1 cup powdered sugar = 120g, so 1/4 cup = 120 × 0.250 = 30g.

Is 1/4 cup of powdered sugar the same weight every time?

The weight can vary slightly depending on measuring technique. Spooned and leveled gives 30g. Scooped (packed) can be 10–20% heavier. Sifted gives a lighter weight. The USDA standard (spooned and leveled) of 30g is the most reliable baseline for recipes.

How do I accurately measure 1/4 cup of powdered sugar?

For accuracy, use a kitchen scale and weigh 30g of powdered sugar. If using measuring cups, spoon the powdered sugar lightly into a 1/4 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 1/4 cup of powdered sugar compare to other ingredients?

1/4 cup of different ingredients varies significantly: Powdered Sugar = 30g, Granulated Sugar = 50g, Caster Sugar = 52.5g. This is because each ingredient has a different density.

Other Amounts for Powdered Sugar

Data source: USDA FoodData Central SR Legacy (FDC ID: 19336). View original USDA record

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