Honey, Maple Syrup & Molasses Density & Measurement Matrix
Viscous liquid sweeteners have specific gravities between 1.30 and 1.45, making them nearly 50% heavier than water. 1 cup of honey weighs a hefty 12 ounces (340g).
Viscous sweeteners are concentrated solutions of fructose, glucose, and sucrose dissolved in minimal water (17-20%). Because water molecules are tightly bound to sugar molecules, their density is extraordinarily high.
While 1 liquid cup of water weighs 8.34 ounces (236.6g), 1 cup of honey weighs 12.0 ounces (340g).
When measuring honey or molasses with volumetric cups or spoons, spray the interior of the measuring tool with a light mist of cooking oil spray. The oil creates a hydrophobic barrier, allowing the syrup to slide out without residue.
Density variations
| Type | g/cup | oz/cup | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clover Honey (Pure Raw) | 340 | 12 | Specific gravity ~1.44; 1 cup weighs 12 ounces. |
| Blackstrap Molasses | 328 | 11.57 | Dense iron-rich syrup; 1 cup weighs ~11.6 oz. |
| Pure Maple Syrup (Grade A Amber) | 312 | 11 | Specific gravity ~1.32; 1 cup weighs 11.0 oz. |
| Light Corn Syrup (Karo) | 328 | 11.57 | High glucose density prevents sucrose crystallization. |
| Agave Nectar (Organic Blue) | 336 | 11.85 | 1.4x sweeter than table sugar; very viscous. |
Conversion table
| Ounces | Grams | Cups | Tablespoons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28.3 | 1.3 tbsp | 1.3 |
| 3 | 85 | ¼ cup (4 tbsp) | 4 |
| 6 | 170.1 | ½ cup (8 tbsp) | 8 |
| 12 | 340 | 1 Full Cup | 16 |
| 16 | 453.6 | 1 ⅓ cups (1 lb jar) | 21.3 |
Baking & measurement tips
- Lightly coat measuring cups with oil so honey slides out cleanly.
- Weighing syrups directly on a tared digital scale eliminates sticky cleanup.
- When substituting honey for sugar in baking, reduce oven temp by 25°F to prevent premature browning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ounces is 1 cup of honey?
One standard US cup of pure honey weighs 12.0 ounces (340 grams).
How many cups is a 1-pound jar of honey?
A 1-pound (16 oz) jar of honey contains approximately 1 ⅓ cups (1.33 cups).