Quinoa: Cups to Grams
One US cup (240 ml) of quinoa weighs about 170 grams, based on its typical kitchen density. Convert any amount below, or use the reference table for common cup fractions.
1 cup=170 g
Based on quinoa at 170 g per US cup.
Quinoa conversion table
| Cups | Grams | Millilitres | Tablespoons | Ounces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 cup | 42.5 g | 60 ml | 4 tbsp | 1.5 oz |
| 1/3 cup | 56.7 g | 80 ml | 5.33 tbsp | 2 oz |
| 1/2 cup | 85 g | 120 ml | 8 tbsp | 3 oz |
| 2/3 cup | 113 g | 160 ml | 10.7 tbsp | 4 oz |
| 3/4 cup | 128 g | 180 ml | 12 tbsp | 4.5 oz |
| 1 cup | 170 g | 240 ml | 16 tbsp | 6 oz |
| 1 1/2 cups | 255 g | 360 ml | 24 tbsp | 8.99 oz |
| 2 cups | 340 g | 480 ml | 32 tbsp | 12 oz |
| 2 1/2 cups | 425 g | 600 ml | 40 tbsp | 15 oz |
| 3 cups | 510 g | 720 ml | 48 tbsp | 18 oz |
In grams, 1/4 cup of quinoa is about 43 g, 1/3 cup is about 57 g, 1/2 cup is about 85 g, 2/3 cup is about 113 g, 3/4 cup is about 128 g, 1 cup is about 170 g, 1 1/2 cups is about 255 g, 2 cups is about 340 g and 3 cups is about 510 g.
A tablespoon of quinoa is about 10.6 grams, and a teaspoon is about 3.5 grams.
About measuring quinoa
Quinoa is a small, protein-rich seed cooked and eaten like a grain, and one US cup uncooked weighs about 170 grams. The seeds are coated in bitter saponins, which is why most quinoa is rinsed or pre-rinsed by the packer before you cook it. Like rice, quinoa expands a great deal once it absorbs water, so a modest cup of dry seeds turns into a much larger amount of cooked quinoa, useful to know when you are planning portions or scaling a recipe.
Rinse quinoa before cooking unless the bag says pre-rinsed, to wash off the bitter natural coating.
Frequently asked questions
How many grams is 1 cup of quinoa?
One US cup of uncooked quinoa is about 170 grams. The small seeds settle fairly densely, similar in weight to other whole grains measured dry.
How much does quinoa weigh once cooked?
Cooked quinoa weighs more per cup than dry, since the seeds absorb water and roughly triple in volume, much like rice. Weigh the dry seeds before cooking for an accurate recipe amount.
Why does quinoa need rinsing?
The seeds carry a natural coating called saponin that tastes bitter and soapy if left on. Rinsing under cold water before cooking removes it.