Why ConvertCal Exists
Most cooking conversion tools treat all ingredients the same — they'll tell you 1 cup equals 240 grams regardless of what you're measuring. But a cup of flour (125g) weighs dramatically different from a cup of honey (340g) or cocoa powder (86g).
ConvertCal solves this by using ingredient-specific density data sourced from the USDA FoodData Central database and King Arthur Baking's ingredient weight chart — the same references professional bakers and food scientists use.
Our Data Sources
- USDA FoodData Central — The U.S. Department of Agriculture's comprehensive food composition database, covering nutrient and density data for thousands of ingredients.
- King Arthur Baking — Their ingredient weight chart is the industry standard for baking measurements, used by professional bakers worldwide.
Measurement Standards
All conversions use the US customary cup (236.59 mL) as the default standard. We specify the measurement method for each ingredient (spooned & leveled, scooped, firmly packed, or liquid measure) because the method can change the weight by 20-30%.
Accuracy Commitment
Every density value in our database is cross-referenced against at least two authoritative sources. We display the measurement method and source for every conversion so you can verify our data and understand exactly how the number was derived.
If you find an error in our data, please let us know at [email protected].
Coverage
ConvertCal currently covers 51 ingredients across 10 categories: flours, sugars, dairy, fats, liquids, grains, nuts, spices, leavening agents, and other common baking ingredients. We regularly add new ingredients based on user requests.