Grams to Tablespoons Sugar Conversion – Granulated Sugar Calculator

Quickly convert grams of granulated sugar to tablespoons and back again using the simple rule of thumb: 1 tablespoon ≈ 12 grams. Use the calculator, reference table, and tips below for accurate results.

Granulated Sugar Calculator

Formula: tablespoons = grams ÷ 12 (approx.).

What Are Grams and Tablespoons?

A gram (g) is a unit of mass in the metric system (1 g ≈ 0.03527 oz). A tablespoon (tbsp) is a unit of volume equal to 3 teaspoons, or about 14.7868 milliliters. Mass and volume measure different things, so you need the ingredient’s density to convert between them.1

Granulated Sugar Density and Formula

Nutrition labels commonly equate 4 grams of sugar ≈ 1 teaspoon. Since a tablespoon is 3 teaspoons, that gives ~12 grams per tablespoon of granulated sugar. For most home cooking, you can use:

tablespoons = grams ÷ 12

grams = tablespoons × 12

More precisely, tablespoons = grams ÷ 14.7868 × density (g/mL). For granulated sugar, density is often approximated around ~0.8 g/mL, which simplifies to the convenient grams ÷ 12 rule of thumb.2

Note: Results are approximate. Packing, humidity, and brand can slightly change volume measurements.

Granulated Sugar Conversion Table

This table lists common gram amounts with their approximate tablespoon equivalents for granulated sugar.

Grams (g) Tablespoons (tbsp)

Assumes 1 tbsp ≈ 12 g for granulated sugar. Real-world results vary based on packing and humidity.

Tips for Accurate Measuring

  • Weighing is best: A kitchen scale gives the most reliable sugar measurements.2
  • Fluff, scoop, level: Loosen sugar, scoop with a tablespoon, then level the top for consistency.
  • Mind humidity: Moisture and storage can change how densely sugar packs into spoons.
  • Know your sugar: Granulated sugar packs differently than powdered or brown sugar.

FAQs

How many tablespoons is 50 g of sugar?

About 4.17 tbsp (50 ÷ 12). Use the calculator for exact rounding.

How many grams is 3 tablespoons of sugar?

About 36 g (3 × 12).

Is this the same for powdered or brown sugar?

No. Powdered and brown sugar have different densities and pack differently, so tablespoons per gram differ.

How many teaspoons is 1 tablespoon of sugar?

1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons. If nutrition labels say ~4 g per teaspoon, that’s ~12 g per tablespoon.

How many calories are in a tablespoon of sugar?

About 48 calories (sugar is ~4 calories per gram × ~12 g per tbsp).3

Sources

  1. Tablespoon ≈ 14.7868 mL; density needed to convert mass to volume.2
  2. Measurement accuracy and density guidance; tablespoons derived from grams and density.
  3. Calorie reference: sugar ~4 calories per gram.

To keep this page fast and focused, external links are omitted. Values reflect commonly cited references in food measurement guides and nutrition labeling.