3 Ways To Measure Grams - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Measure Grams PDF download Download Article Reviewed by Craig Watson

Last Updated: June 5, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Measuring with a Scale
    • |
  • Using Measuring Cups and Spoons
    • |
  • Converting Other Measurements to Grams
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
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This article was reviewed by Craig Watson. Craig Watson is a Baker, Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Baked Cravings, a nut-free bakery in New York City. With eight years of experience, he specializes in creating high-quality baked goods in a nut-free facility. Baked Cravings has received The Best of Manhattan Award. Craig holds a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from New Jersey City University and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Wilmington University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 404,163 times.

The gram is the basic unit of measurement for weight and mass in the metric and SI measurement systems. It is often used to weigh small items, such as dry goods in a kitchen. The only way to accurately measure in grams is to use a scale. Other tools, such as kitchen cups and spoons, provide a rough estimate. Also, keep a conversion calculator or chart on hand so you can measure grams when you don't have a scale available.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Measuring with a Scale

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  1. Step 1 Choose a scale that measures in grams. 1 Choose a scale that measures in grams. Make sure the scale can handle the size of objects you plan on weighing. Since a gram is a metric unit of measurement, your scale needs to use the metric system. Scales are available in digital and mechanical models.
    • For example, a kitchen scale is used to measure kitchen ingredients. A body weight scale is much larger and can tolerate heavier items.
    • Digital scales are easier to use and more accurate, but mechanical scales are less expensive.
  2. Step 2 Weigh an empty container first before putting an item in it. 2 Weigh an empty container first before putting an item in it. If you plan to measure something you can’t put directly on the scale, weigh the container before putting the item in it. It is the only way to accurately measure loose objects like flour and sugar. This way, the container’s mass isn’t counted in the final measurement.
    • For example, when weighing out a cup of flour, put the empty measuring cup or spoon on the scale first.
    • If your scale does not have a tare function, note the weight of the container so you can subtract it from the final measurement.
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  3. Step 3 Press the tare button to zero out the scale. 3 Press the tare button to zero out the scale. The mysterious button labeled "tare" on digital scales is a reset button. Press the tare button after each item you measure on the scale. If you weighed a container, you can fill it now.
    • If you are using a mechanical scale, the scale will have a knob you turn to 0. The scale’s measuring needle should point to 0 at the center of the dial.
    • For the most accurate measurements, always zero out the scale when there is nothing on it, then again after placing a container on it.
    J. Kenji López-Alt J. Kenji López-Alt, Chef and Food Science Writer

    For baking recipes requiring precision, a digital kitchen scale measuring ingredients by weight rather than volume is crucial. Versatile scales that measure in grams and ounces ensure accuracy across recipes. Check calibration with a weight or coin, then place mixing bowl on scale, hit tare to reset to zero, and add ingredients until reaching target gram measurements.

  4. Step 4 Set the object you wish to measure on the scale. 4 Set the object you wish to measure on the scale. Place your object in the center of the scale. If you measured a container first, you can now put the object you wish to measure inside the container. The scale will then calculate the heaviness of your object.[1]
    • For an accurate reading, make sure the entire object is on the scale.
    • For example, if you’re weighing apple slices, you can either place them on the scale directly or move them into a container you previously weighed.
  5. Step 5 Finish weighing the object on the scale. 5 Finish weighing the object on the scale. Wait for the scale’s digital display or needle to come to a stop. When it finishes moving, read the number to find out how heavy the object is. Make sure that the weight is in grams. Then, remove your object and hit the tare button again to reset the scale.
    • If you did not zero out the scale first, subtract the weight of the container from the final measurement you see now.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Using Measuring Cups and Spoons

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  1. Step 1 Get a spoon or cup that measures in grams. 1 Get a spoon or cup that measures in grams. Visit a store that sells kitchen supplies to find a variety of measuring tools. The most accurate of these tools, besides scales, are spoons designed to measure grams. They will likely have both milliliters and grams listed on the handles.[2]
    • Spoons and cups can never be as precise as scales, but they can be used as containers and placed on scales.
    • Spoons that have measurements like “tablespoon” can be used, but these measurements aren’t descriptive and vary from spoon to spoon.
    • Some glass measuring cups have gram measurements printed on them and can also be used.
  2. Step 2 Fill the spoon with the ingredient you want to measure. 2 Fill the spoon with the ingredient you want to measure. Select your measuring tool, then fill it with your ingredient. This is easy with spoons, since all you have to do is dip the spoon into the ingredient. You will have a quantity close to the measurement listed on the spoon without having to weigh it.[3]
    • For example, if you need 15 g of flour, dip your 15 g spoon into the flour to fill it completely.
    • If you have measuring devices that use tablespoons and teaspoons, look up a conversion chart such as https://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/convert/measurements.html.
  3. Step 3 Level off the ingredient with a knife. 3 Level off the ingredient with a knife. Pick up a butter knife or another dull item you can drag along the spoon without damaging it. Hold it flat against the top of the spoon and drag it all the way across. This will knock any excess off the spoon, giving you a more accurate measurement.[4]
    • Anything above the spoon’s brim is considered excess. Scrape off the excess every time you measure an ingredient.
  4. Step 4 Use the ingredient in your recipe. 4 Use the ingredient in your recipe. Using the spoon or measuring cup, you will have a rough estimate of the ingredient you need. For better accuracy, place the spoon or cup on a scale and measure it again.
    • Spoons and cups can’t measure mass precisely. For example, a spoonful of flour is always going to be a different weight than a spoonful of herbs or nuts.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Converting Other Measurements to Grams

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  1. Step 1 Multiply kilograms by 1,000 to convert to grams. 1 Multiply kilograms by 1,000 to convert to grams. A kilogram is equal to 1,000 grams. If you are measuring something large, you can use this fact to convert easily between units. Convert grams back to kilograms by dividing by 1,000.[5]
    • For example, 11.5 kg is the same as 11,500 g. 11.5 k g ∗ 1 , 000 = 11 , 500 g {\displaystyle 11.5kg*1,000=11,500g} .
  2. Step 2 Use a calculator... 2 Use a calculator to change ounces to grams. An ounce is the basic mass and weight unit in the imperial measurement system, used in countries such as the U.S. Multiply the amount of ounces by 28.34952 to convert it to grams. This is a harder conversion, so you may need a calculator or online conversion tool such as https://www.rapidtables.com/convert/weight/ounce-to-gram.html.[6]
    • For example, 12 oz equals about 340.12 g. 12 o z ∗ 28.34952 = 340.12 g {\displaystyle 12oz*28.34952=340.12g} .
    • You may also see pounds. This is an imperial measurement similar to kilograms. There are 16 ounces in a pound.
  3. Step 3 Use an online converter to change cups to grams. 3 Use an online converter to change cups to grams. A “gram” is a measurement of mass, often used for solid items like flour and sugar. “Cup” or “teaspoon” are a few measurements of volume, used for liquids like cooking oil and water in a kitchen. You can convert these quickly by using a conversion tool such as https://www.convertunits.com/from/grams/to/teaspoon+[US].[7]
    • These measurements are not interchangeable, so there is no single conversion formula.
    • Many cooking instructions now include both cup and gram measurements.
  4. Step 4 View a conversion chart for common cup-to-gram measurements. 4 View a conversion chart for common cup-to-gram measurements. This can help you deal with recipes that don’t measure in grams, as well as ingredients you add in small batches. Search online to convert specific ingredients into grams or use a general conversion chart like the one at https://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/convert/measurements.html.
    • 1 gram of instant yeast is about ⅓ of a teaspoon.
    • 1 gram of table salt is about ⅙ of a teaspoon.
    • A gram of baking soda or baking powder is approximately ⅕ of a teaspoon.
    • 1 gram of ground cinnamon equals approximately ⅜ of a teaspoon.
    • 1 gram of diastatic malt powder or active dry yeast is about ¼ of teaspoon.
  5. Step 5 Write down cup-to-gram comparisons you use often. 5 Write down cup-to-gram comparisons you use often. A cup of 1 ingredient is not equal in weight to a cup of another ingredient. Because every ingredient differs a lot by weight, it can be helpful to keep in mind a few common conversions for when you don’t have a scale handy. You can also use a conversion chart, such as at https://www.thecalculatorsite.com/cooking/cups-grams.php.
    • For example, a cup of butter is about 227 g.
    • A cup of all-purpose flour or confectioners’ sugar equals about 128 g.
    • A cup of honey, molasses, or syrup equals about 340 g.
    • Chocolate chips vary from brand to brand, but a cup is about 150 g.[8]
    • A cup of cocoa powder equals about 100 g.
    • 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans is about 120 g.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question 140 grams of papaya is how many cups? Community Answer Community Answer In U.S. cups, 140 grams of raw papaya in cubes would be about one cup. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 17 Helpful 8
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Video

Tips

  • Grams are used to measure dry goods such as flour and sugar. Liquids are measured in milliliters or fluid ounces. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
  • The only way to measure grams precisely is with a scale. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 6
  • All items have differing weights. Even cups of similar items, such as 2 types of coffee, are not equal. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You'll Need

Measuring with a Scale

  • A digital scale
  • A container

Using Measuring Cups and Spoons

  • Gram measuring cup or spoon
  • Knife

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References

  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/2W1j5VFLQ7s?t=105
  2. ↑ https://www.thecalculatorsite.com/articles/cooking/cooking-weights-and-measures.php
  3. ↑ https://www.thecalculatorsite.com/articles/cooking/cooking-weights-and-measures.php
  4. ↑ https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/file/Measuring.pdf
  5. ↑ David Jia. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.rapidtables.com/convert/weight/ounce-to-gram.html
  7. ↑ https://www.convertunits.com/from/grams/to/teaspoon+[US]
  8. ↑ https://www.errenskitchen.com/cooking-conversions/cups-to-grams-and-oz/

About This Article

Craig Watson Reviewed by: Craig Watson Baker This article was reviewed by Craig Watson. Craig Watson is a Baker, Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Baked Cravings, a nut-free bakery in New York City. With eight years of experience, he specializes in creating high-quality baked goods in a nut-free facility. Baked Cravings has received The Best of Manhattan Award. Craig holds a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from New Jersey City University and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Wilmington University. This article has been viewed 404,163 times. 33 votes - 53% Co-authors: 14 Updated: June 5, 2025 Views: 404,163 Categories: Mathematics Article SummaryX

The most accurate way to measure grams is to use a scale. Choose a digital or mechanical scale that uses the metric system, then press the tare button to zero it out. Place your item on the center of the scale, wait for the scale’s digital display or needle to come to a stop, and record the grams. If you're cooking and need to convert cups to grams, use an online converter or search for a web-based conversion chart that lists common dry ingredients and their cup-to-gram measurements. If you want to learn how to convert other weight measurements to grams, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Craig Watson Reviewed by: Craig Watson Baker 33 votes - 53% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 14 Updated: June 5, 2025 Views: 404,163

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