What is the approximate weight of 1 cup of water in grams, and how can knowing this common conversion (for water and water-like liquids) help when you need to measure liquids by weight for a recipe?

Question

How much does a cup of water weigh? Learn this essential conversion and find out how it can help you measure liquids by weight with confidence.

Answer 1

One cup of water weighs approximately 236.6 grams. Knowing this conversion allows you to accurately measure liquids by weight, which is often more precise than volume, especially in baking where ingredient ratios are critical.

Detailed Explanation:

The conversion from volume (cups) to weight (grams) for water is based on the density of water. Pure water has a density of approximately 1 gram per milliliter (g/mL). Since 1 US cup is equal to approximately 236.6 milliliters, 1 cup of water weighs approximately 236.6 grams. This is a useful approximation for most culinary purposes.

Using weight measurements in recipes offers several advantages. First, it's more accurate than volume measurements, which can vary depending on how tightly ingredients are packed into a measuring cup. Second, it simplifies scaling recipes up or down. If a recipe calls for 2 cups of water, you know that's roughly 473.2 grams. If you want to halve the recipe, you simply halve the weight. Finally, weight measurements are particularly helpful when dealing with ingredients that are difficult to measure by volume, such as sticky or viscous liquids.

Pro Tip:

While the 1 cup = 236.6 grams conversion is a good approximation for water and liquids with similar densities (like milk), it's important to remember that this conversion *does not* apply to all liquids. Oils, for example, are less dense than water, so 1 cup of oil will weigh less than 236.6 grams. Always check the specific gravity or density of a liquid if precise weight measurements are crucial.