One-Third Cup of Powdered Sugar in Grams

1/3 cup of powdered sugar weighs 40g (1.41 oz, 80ml) according to USDA FoodData Central (1 cup powdered sugar = 120g, spooned and leveled method). 1/3 cup = 0.3333 of a full cup (240ml). See the full conversion table below for all amounts from 1 tablespoon to 3 cups.

1/3 Cup
40g
1.41 oz
1/3 Cup → ml
80ml
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 1/3 cup.

AmountGrams
1 tbsp7.5g
2 tbsp15g
1/8 cup15g
1/4 cup30g
1/3 cupthis page40g
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.

1/3 Cup of Different Ingredients — Weight Comparison

1/3 cup of different ingredients varies widely in weight because each has a different density. This matters when substituting ingredients in recipes.

Ingredient1/3 Cup (g)
Powdered Sugarcurrent40g
Granulated Sugar66.67g
Caster Sugar70g
Brown Sugar (packed)73.33g

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: 1/3 cup of powdered sugar can weigh anywhere from 34g to 48g depending on how you measure it. The USDA standard is 40g (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
40g
USDA standard — most accurate for volume cups
Scooped (packed)
~46g
10–20% heavier — avoid for precision baking
Kitchen Scale
40g
Most reliable — eliminates technique variation

About 1/3 Cup as a Measurement

1/3 cup = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon = 80ml. This unusual fraction appears in recipes that scale for 2 servings from a 3-serving base. It cannot be made from combining standard 1/4 and 1/8 cup measures without error.

One-third cup is common in yogurt parfait recipes, small-batch granola bars, and single-layer cake recipes scaled for 2 servings. It is exactly 80ml in metric volume.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many grams is 1/3 cup of powdered sugar?

1/3 cup of powdered sugar weighs 40 grams (1.41 oz, 80ml). Based on USDA FoodData Central: 1 cup powdered sugar = 120g, so 1/3 cup = 120 × 0.333 = 40g.

Is 1/3 cup of powdered sugar the same weight every time?

The weight can vary slightly depending on measuring technique. Spooned and leveled gives 40g. Scooped (packed) can be 10–20% heavier. Sifted gives a lighter weight. The USDA standard (spooned and leveled) of 40g is the most reliable baseline for recipes.

How do I accurately measure 1/3 cup of powdered sugar?

For accuracy, use a kitchen scale and weigh 40g of powdered sugar. If using measuring cups, spoon the powdered sugar lightly into a 1/3 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 1/3 cup of powdered sugar compare to other ingredients?

1/3 cup of different ingredients varies significantly: Powdered Sugar = 40g, Granulated Sugar = 66.67g, Caster Sugar = 70g. 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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