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All-Purpose Flour: Weight, Measurement & Baking Guide

The versatile everyday flour for cookies, cakes, muffins, quick breads, and just about everything in between.

1 cup = 120g

All-purpose flour

Measured

spooned and leveled

Category

Flour

Convert all-purpose flour grams to cups

What is all-purpose flour?

All-purpose flour is milled from a blend of soft and hard wheat and has a moderate protein content (typically 10–12%). That balance gives it enough structure for most baked goods while keeping them tender.

It’s the go-to flour for cookies, cakes, muffins, pancakes, quick breads, pie crusts, and general-purpose recipes. Because it’s well-balanced, it performs reliably across a wide range of baked goods, which makes it a staple in most kitchens. For the most accurate results, weigh it — 1 US cup is about 120g when spooned and leveled.

Measurement profile

Grams per cup
120g
Cup standard
US cup / 240 ml
Ingredient state
unsifted
Confidence
High

Data last verified: August 4, 2026

Source observations

Why measurements vary

Filling method

Scooping from the bag compresses flour, while spooning into the cup preserves more air.

Sifting, humidity, and brand

Aeration, absorbed moisture, and milling differences all change the bulk density of a cup.

How to measure all-purpose flour

spooned and leveled

  • Flour weight varies by scooping, spooning, sifting, humidity, and brand.
  • Spoon flour into the cup and level with a knife — do not scoop.
  • Scooping can pack the cup and add up to 25% more weight.
  • Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate baking results.

Types & varieties

All-purpose flour

120g per cup

Balanced protein for everyday baking.

Bread flour

Higher protein for more chew and structure.

Cake flour

Lower protein for a softer, tender crumb.

Whole wheat flour

More fiber and a nuttier flavor.

Almond flour

Nut-based, gluten-free, and lighter per cup.

Common all-purpose flour measurements

These limited reference values are derived from the canonical cup weight. Use the converter for any other amount.

CupsGrams
¼ cup30g
⅓ cup40g
½ cup60g
1 cup120g

Common substitutes

Bread flour

Higher protein for more chew and structure.

Cake flour

Lower protein for a softer, tender crumb.

Whole wheat flour

Adds fiber and a nuttier flavor.

Related measurement resources

Convert all-purpose flour grams to cups

Convert cups of all-purpose flour to grams

Browse related ingredient guides

How ingredient measurements are verified

Frequently asked questions

How many grams are in 1 cup of flour?

1 US cup of all-purpose flour weighs about 120 grams when spooned and leveled. Scooping straight from the bag can pack in 20–25% more.

Is bread flour the same as all-purpose flour by weight?

Not necessarily. Under this site's spoon-and-level convention both are about 120g and 120g per cup respectively, but bread flour's higher protein makes more gluten, so they still are not interchangeable in delicate cakes.

Why does scooping flour change the result?

Scooping the cup into the bag compresses the flour, so more fits in the same volume. Spooning it in and leveling keeps the weight closer to 120g per cup.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?

You can, but whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid and bakes up denser and nuttier. Start by replacing only half and adjust the liquid.