Half Cup of Water in Grams

1/2 cup of water weighs 120g (4.23 oz, 120ml) according to USDA FoodData Central (1 cup water = 240g, 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
120g
4.23 oz
1/2 Cup → ml
120ml
1 g/ml density
1 cup reference
240g
USDA standard

Water Cup-to-Gram Conversion Table

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

AmountGrams
1 tbsp15g
2 tbsp30g
1/8 cup30g
1/4 cup60g
1/3 cup80g
1/2 cupthis page120g
2/3 cup160g
3/4 cup180g
1 cup240g
1 1/4 cups300g
1 1/2 cups360g
1 3/4 cups420g
2 cups480g
2 1/2 cups600g
3 cups720g

Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 14555). 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)
Olive Oil108g
Vegetable Oil109g
Coconut Oil109g
Canola Oil109g
Watercurrent120g

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

Measuring Water Accurately

Why weight matters: 1/2 cup of water can weigh anywhere from 102g to 144g depending on how you measure it. The USDA standard is 120g (spooned and leveled). Scooping directly from the container can add 10–20% extra weight, which affects recipe results — especially in baking.

About water density: Water is the reference point for all density measurements. 1 cup (240ml) = 240g exactly. All liquid measurements in recipes assume water-like density unless specified. Use water as baseline for density calculations.

Spoon & Level
120g
USDA standard — most accurate for volume cups
Scooped (packed)
~138g
10–20% heavier — avoid for precision baking
Kitchen Scale
120g
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 water?

1/2 cup of water weighs 120 grams (4.23 oz, 120ml). Based on USDA FoodData Central: 1 cup water = 240g, so 1/2 cup = 240 × 0.500 = 120g.

Is 1/2 cup of water the same weight every time?

The weight can vary slightly depending on measuring technique. Spooned and leveled gives 120g. Scooped (packed) can be 10–20% heavier. Sifted gives a lighter weight. The USDA standard (spooned and leveled) of 120g is the most reliable baseline for recipes.

How do I accurately measure 1/2 cup of water?

For accuracy, use a kitchen scale and weigh 120g of water. If using measuring cups, spoon the water 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 water compare to other ingredients?

1/2 cup of different ingredients varies significantly: Olive Oil = 108g, Vegetable Oil = 109g, Coconut Oil = 109g. This is because each ingredient has a different density.

Other Amounts for Water

Data source: USDA FoodData Central SR Legacy (FDC ID: 14555). View original USDA record

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