Baking
Superfine Sugar Conversion
Superfine Sugar weighs 200g per US cup.
| Amount | Grams | Ounces |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 200.0 g | 7.05 oz |
| 1/2 cup | 100.0 g | 3.53 oz |
| 1/4 cup | 50.0 g | 1.76 oz |
| 1 tbsp | 12.5 g | 0.44 oz |
| 1 tsp | 4.2 g | 0.15 oz |
| 100 g | 100.0 g | 3.53 oz |
Need a different amount? Use the full Ingredient Converter tool.
Superfine sugar shares granulated sugar's 200g-per-cup weight almost exactly, since it's the same sucrose crystal just ground to a smaller size — the crystals are smaller, not more densely packed, so a cup of superfine sugar holds essentially the same mass as a cup of standard granulated sugar despite the visual difference in texture.
That smaller crystal size is entirely about dissolve speed, not sweetness or density — superfine sugar dissolves considerably faster than standard granulated sugar, which is exactly why it's favored for meringues (where undissolved sugar can leave a gritty texture) and cold applications like cocktails or iced drinks, where standard granulated sugar can leave a layer of undissolved grit at the bottom of the glass.
"Superfine sugar" and "caster sugar" are the same product under different regional names — caster sugar being the standard UK term — and either name refers to a genuinely distinct product from powdered sugar, which is ground much finer still and includes anti-caking cornstarch that superfine sugar doesn't.
Superfine sugar (also called caster sugar) is ground finer than standard granulated sugar but not as fine as powdered sugar, landing at 190g per cup versus granulated's 200g — the difference is small, but its finer crystal size dissolves faster in cold liquids and creamed butter, which is exactly why it's the preferred sugar for meringues and delicate cakes where a grittier dissolve would show in the finished texture.
In the UK, caster sugar is the default sugar many recipes assume rather than an occasional specialty item, which is worth knowing when converting a British recipe — where it says simply "sugar," it likely means this finer grind rather than standard US granulated.
It can be made at home by pulsing granulated sugar briefly in a food processor, a reasonable substitute if none is on hand.
It dissolves fast enough to be stirred directly into cold drinks without the grainy residue standard granulated sugar can leave behind.
Frequently asked questions
Is superfine sugar the same as powdered sugar?
No — superfine sugar is simply finely ground granulated sugar with no additives, while powdered sugar is ground much finer still and blended with cornstarch; the two aren't interchangeable, since powdered sugar dissolves differently and adds starch to a recipe.
Can I make superfine sugar from granulated sugar at home?
Yes — run standard granulated sugar through a food processor in short bursts until it's visibly finer but stops well short of turning to powder; that home version dissolves close to as fast as the store-bought kind in most baking and drink applications.
Why is superfine sugar preferred for meringues?
Its smaller crystals dissolve into egg whites much faster and more completely than standard granulated sugar, reducing the risk of a gritty texture in the finished meringue from sugar crystals that never fully dissolved during whipping.
Is caster sugar the same as superfine sugar?
Yes — "caster sugar" is simply the standard UK name for the same finely ground sugar Americans call superfine sugar; recipes from UK sources calling for caster sugar can use this site's superfine sugar figure directly.
Does superfine sugar weigh the same as granulated sugar for recipe conversion purposes?
Close enough to treat as identical for most conversion purposes — the difference in crystal size doesn't meaningfully change the weight held in a spooned-and-leveled cup, even though it changes how quickly the sugar dissolves.