Convert cups to grams butter easily.

Ever found yourself halfway through a cookie recipe only to realize it lists butter in grams, but you’ve got measuring cups? You’re not alone. Converting cups to grams for butter is one of those kitchen tasks that seems simple but can trip up even seasoned bakers. Why? Because butter’s density isn’t as straightforward as, say, water. Let’s break it down so your next batch of croissants turns out just right.

Unit definitions

What is a cup (cups)?

A cup is a unit of volume commonly used in cooking, especially in the United States. One cup of butter typically refers to the amount that fills a standard 8-fluid-ounce measuring cup. But here’s the catch: butter is sold by weight, not volume. That’s why converting cups to grams matters—it bridges the gap between volume-based recipes and weight-based ingredients.

• Symbol: c or cups
• Common uses: Baking, cooking, liquid and dry ingredients
• Definition: 1 US cup = 236.588 mL, but for butter, 1 cup = 227 grams

What is a gram (g)?

A gram is a metric unit of mass. It’s the go-to measurement in most countries outside the U.S. for its precision. When a recipe calls for grams, it’s asking for weight, which eliminates guesswork. No more wondering if you’ve scooped too much or too little butter into your cup.

• Symbol: g
• Common uses: Baking, scientific measurements, nutrition labels
• Definition: 1 gram = 0.001 kilograms

Conversion formula

To convert cups to grams for butter, use this formula:
Grams = Cups × 227

For example:

• 1.5 cups of butter = 1.5 × 227 = 340.5 grams
• 0.75 cups of butter = 0.75 × 227 = 170.25 grams

To go from grams to cups:
Cups = Grams ÷ 227

So, 454 grams of butter = 454 ÷ 227 = 2 cups. Easy, right?

Example calculations

Example 1:
Your recipe needs 2 cups of butter. How many grams is that?
2 cups × 227 = 454 grams

Example 2:
You’ve got 300 grams of butter. How many cups is that?
300 ÷ 227 ≈ 1.32 cups

Conversion tables

Cups to grams butter

Grams to cups butter

Historical background

The use of cups in cooking dates back to early American cookbooks, where recipes relied on volume measurements like teacups or coffee cups. It was practical—every household had a cup. But as baking became more scientific, chefs realized weight measurements (grams) gave consistent results. By the mid-20th century, European recipes mostly used grams, while the U.S. stuck with cups. Fun fact: the the first standardized measuring cups were introduced by Fannie Farmer in 1896!

Butter’s role in this is interesting. Before pre-packaged sticks, cooks had to measure butter by volume, which led to inconsistencies. Today, butter wrappers often include cup markings, blending old and new methods.

Interesting facts?

1. Butter density varies slightly with temperature. Cold butter is denser than softened butter, but the difference is minimal for home baking.
2. European butter has a higher fat content (82-85% vs. 80% in the U.S.), but the weight per cup remains nearly the same.
3. The “cup” isn’t universal. A U.S. cup is 240 mL, while a UK cup is 284 mL. Always check your recipe’s origin!
4. Julia Child famously hated volume measurements. She advocated for kitchen scales to ensure accuracy.
5. The water displacement method lets you measure butter without cups: Fill a measuring cup with 1/2 cup water, add butter until the water reaches 1 cup. You’ve just measured 1/2 cup of butter.

FAQ