How it's calculated
lb = cups × ingredient density
cups = US cups, lb = pounds. Density (lb per cup) varies by ingredient: flour 0.276, granulated sugar 0.441, butter 0.500, water 0.522, honey 0.750. Reverse: cups = lb ÷ density.
Common values
| Ingredient | 1 cup in lb |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 0.28 |
| Granulated sugar | 0.44 |
| Butter | 0.50 |
| Honey | 0.75 |
| Water | 0.52 |
Common questions
How many pounds is a cup of flour?
About 0.28 lb for all-purpose flour. Denser ingredients weigh more per cup; a cup of honey is around 0.75 lb.
Can I use one factor for every ingredient?
No. Cups measure volume and pounds measure weight, so the conversion changes with density. Always match the factor to the actual ingredient.