Half Cup of Sesame Seeds in Grams
1/2 cup of sesame seeds weighs 72g (2.54 oz, 120ml) according to USDA FoodData Central (1 cup sesame seeds = 144g, 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.
Sesame Seeds Cup-to-Gram Conversion Table
Full range from 1 tablespoon to 3 cups. The highlighted row shows 1/2 cup.
| Amount | Grams |
|---|---|
| 1 tbsp | 9g |
| 2 tbsp | 18g |
| 1/8 cup | 18g |
| 1/4 cup | 36g |
| 1/3 cup | 48g |
| 1/2 cupthis page | 72g |
| 2/3 cup | 96g |
| 3/4 cup | 108g |
| 1 cup | 144g |
| 1 1/4 cups | 180g |
| 1 1/2 cups | 216g |
| 1 3/4 cups | 252g |
| 2 cups | 288g |
| 2 1/2 cups | 360g |
| 3 cups | 432g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 12023). 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.
| Ingredient | 1/2 Cup (g) |
|---|---|
| Sunflower Seeds (shelled) | 64g |
| Pumpkin Seeds (pepitas) | 64.5g |
| Sesame Seedscurrent | 72g |
| Flaxseed (whole) | 74.5g |
| Chia Seeds | 80g |
| Hemp Seeds (hulled) | 80g |
All values use USDA FoodData Central spooned-and-leveled method. Click any ingredient to see its full conversion table.
Measuring Sesame Seeds Accurately
Why weight matters: 1/2 cup of sesame seeds can weigh anywhere from 61g to 86g depending on how you measure it. The USDA standard is 72g (spooned and leveled). Scooping directly from the container can add 10–20% extra weight, which affects recipe results — especially in baking.
About sesame seeds density: Sesame seeds: 1 cup = 144g. White (hulled) and black sesame seeds weigh the same. Toasted sesame seeds weigh slightly less (moisture lost). Used in tahini, bagels, Asian cooking. 1 tablespoon = 9g. USDA FDC 12023.
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 sesame seeds?
1/2 cup of sesame seeds weighs 72 grams (2.54 oz, 120ml). Based on USDA FoodData Central: 1 cup sesame seeds = 144g, so 1/2 cup = 144 × 0.500 = 72g.
Is 1/2 cup of sesame seeds the same weight every time?
The weight can vary slightly depending on measuring technique. Spooned and leveled gives 72g. Scooped (packed) can be 10–20% heavier. Sifted gives a lighter weight. The USDA standard (spooned and leveled) of 72g is the most reliable baseline for recipes.
How do I accurately measure 1/2 cup of sesame seeds?
For accuracy, use a kitchen scale and weigh 72g of sesame seeds. If using measuring cups, spoon the sesame seeds 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 sesame seeds compare to other ingredients?
1/2 cup of different ingredients varies significantly: Sunflower Seeds (shelled) = 64g, Pumpkin Seeds (pepitas) = 64.5g, Sesame Seeds = 72g. This is because each ingredient has a different density.