Cocoa Powder: Cups to Grams
One US cup (240 ml) of cocoa powder weighs about 85 grams, based on its typical kitchen density. Convert any amount below, or use the reference table for common cup fractions.
1 cup=85 g
Based on cocoa powder at 85 g per US cup.
Cocoa Powder conversion table
| Cups | Grams | Millilitres | Tablespoons | Ounces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 cup | 21.3 g | 60 ml | 4 tbsp | 0.75 oz |
| 1/3 cup | 28.3 g | 80 ml | 5.33 tbsp | 0.999 oz |
| 1/2 cup | 42.5 g | 120 ml | 8 tbsp | 1.5 oz |
| 2/3 cup | 56.7 g | 160 ml | 10.7 tbsp | 2 oz |
| 3/4 cup | 63.8 g | 180 ml | 12 tbsp | 2.25 oz |
| 1 cup | 85 g | 240 ml | 16 tbsp | 3 oz |
| 1 1/2 cups | 128 g | 360 ml | 24 tbsp | 4.5 oz |
| 2 cups | 170 g | 480 ml | 32 tbsp | 6 oz |
| 2 1/2 cups | 213 g | 600 ml | 40 tbsp | 7.5 oz |
| 3 cups | 255 g | 720 ml | 48 tbsp | 8.99 oz |
In grams, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder is about 21 g, 1/3 cup is about 28 g, 1/2 cup is about 43 g, 2/3 cup is about 57 g, 3/4 cup is about 64 g, 1 cup is about 85 g, 1 1/2 cups is about 128 g, 2 cups is about 170 g and 3 cups is about 255 g.
A tablespoon of cocoa powder is about 5.3 grams, and a teaspoon is about 1.8 grams.
About measuring cocoa powder
Unsweetened cocoa powder is light, fine and prone to clumping, so a cup holds only about 85 grams. Like flour, the way you fill the cup swings the weight a lot, and a packed cup can carry far more cocoa than a sifted one. Since cocoa is intensely flavoured and slightly acidic, getting the amount right matters for both taste and how your bake rises. Sift it to break up lumps, then weigh for a truly reliable measure.
Sift cocoa before measuring. It clumps like flour, so a scooped cup varies a great deal.
Frequently asked questions
How many grams is 1 cup of cocoa powder?
One US cup of unsweetened cocoa powder is about 85 grams. It is light and airy, so it weighs much less than sugar for the same volume.
Is Dutch process cocoa a different weight?
The weight per cup is essentially the same. Dutch process cocoa is treated to reduce acidity, but its density is close to natural cocoa at around 85 grams per cup.
Why does cocoa need sifting before measuring?
Cocoa clumps as it sits, so a scooped cup traps lumps and air unevenly. Sifting and then weighing to 85 grams gives a far more consistent amount.