Understanding Sugar Measurements
When following recipes or tracking your sugar intake, knowing the exact weight of sugar in a teaspoon is essential. One level teaspoon of granulated white sugar weighs approximately 4 grams. This measurement is standard across most kitchens and is used by nutritionists worldwide.
Why Grams Matter for Sugar
Unlike volume measurements (teaspoons, tablespoons), weight measurements (grams) are more accurate because they account for how tightly the sugar is packed. A "heaping" teaspoon can contain 6-7 grams, while a level teaspoon contains exactly 4 grams.
Common Sugar Conversions
- 1 teaspoon sugar = 4 grams
- 1 tablespoon sugar = 12.5 grams (3 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup sugar = 50 grams
- 1 cup sugar = 200 grams
Different Types of Sugar
The 4-gram measurement applies specifically to granulated white sugar. Other types of sugar have different weights per teaspoon:
- Brown sugar (packed): 4.5 grams per teaspoon
- Powdered/Icing sugar: 2.5 grams per teaspoon
- Raw/Turbinado sugar: 5 grams per teaspoon
Health Implications
The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day for women and 36 grams (9 teaspoons) per day for men. Knowing that one teaspoon equals 4 grams helps you track your daily sugar intake more accurately.
Tips for Accurate Measurement
- Always use a level teaspoon - use a knife to scrape off excess sugar
- Don't pack the sugar unless the recipe specifically says to
- For baking precision, use a kitchen scale to weigh 4 grams directly
- Store sugar in an airtight container to prevent clumping