How volume becomes mass
Density tells you the mass in each millilitre. Different ingredients can have the same volume but different masses.
grams = millilitres × density in g/mL; millilitres = grams ÷ density in g/mL
- Select an ingredient. Its listed density is a typical average in grams per millilitre.
- Multiply millilitres by density to estimate grams. Divide grams by the same density to estimate millilitres.
- For a material not listed, select Custom density and enter its density in g/mL.
- The ounce result is mass, not fluid ounces. One mass ounce is exactly 28.349523125 g.
Worked example: 250 mL of spooned and levelled flour at 0.53 g/mL is about 132.5 g. The same volume of water is about 250 g.
Approximate ingredient masses
| Millilitres | Water | Milk | Vegetable oil | Flour | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 mL | 50 g | 51.5 g | 46 g | 26.5 g | 42.5 g |
| 100 mL | 100 g | 103 g | 92 g | 53 g | 85 g |
| 250 mL | 250 g | 257.5 g | 230 g | 132.5 g | 212.5 g |
| 500 mL | 500 g | 515 g | 460 g | 265 g | 425 g |
| 1,000 mL | 1,000 g | 1,030 g | 920 g | 530 g | 850 g |
Swipe the table sideways to see the rest.
All values are grams. Flour is spooned and levelled; sugar is granulated. These are estimates using typical average densities.
Things to consider
- Use scales when a recipe needs an accurate ingredient mass.
- Packed flour weighs more than loosely spooned flour at the same volume.
- Use a density that matches the material's temperature and preparation.
- Keep fluid ounces and mass ounces separate.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1 mL equal to 1 g?
Approximately for water at room temperature, but not as a general rule. Other ingredients have different densities. For example, 1 mL of honey is about 1.42 g and 1 mL of spooned flour is about 0.53 g.
How do I convert mL to grams?
Multiply the volume in mL by the density in g/mL. For example, 100 mL of milk at 1.03 g/mL is about 103 g. To convert back, divide grams by density.
How many grams are in a cup of flour?
A 250 mL metric cup of spooned and levelled plain/all-purpose flour is about 132 g, or 132.5 g using the listed average density. Cup sizes vary, and packing changes the mass. For spoon volumes, use the Millilitres to Tablespoons Converter.
Why do flour and sugar give different results?
Their particles and the air spaces between them differ. At the listed averages, 250 mL of flour is about 132.5 g and 250 mL of granulated sugar is about 212.5 g. Packing can change both values.
How do I find the density of something not listed?
Use a reliable product-specific density, or weigh a known volume and divide its mass in grams by its volume in mL. Select Custom density and enter that value. If your volume is in fluid ounces, first use the Ounces to Millilitres Converter.
Results are estimates for general information only, not financial, medical or professional advice.