+11 votes
quick question... a recipe wants grams of sugar but i only have tablespoons. how many grams of sugar is in a tablespoon??? trying to make a bbq rub
in Products and Ingredients by

6 Answers

+10 votes
hey, the number of grams depends on the type of sugar you're using. they all have different densities, so a tablespoon of each will have a different weight.

for standard granulated white sugar, a tablespoon is about 12.5 grams. if the recipe calls for packed brown sugar, it's a bit heavier at around 14 grams per tablespoon. powdered sugar is much lighter, only about 8 grams.

for a bbq rub, you're most likely using either granulated or brown sugar. if the recipe from bbqdad45 doesn't specify which one, i'd probably default to granulated sugar at 12.5g per tablespoon. it will probly be fine either way, since rubs are more forgiving than something like bread or a cake. this is why baking by weight is so much more accurate, but for this, you'll be okay.
by
+9 votes
Hello there, That's an excellent question. The conversion from volume (tablespoons) to weight (grams) isn't always straightforward because it depends on the density of the ingredient. Different types of sugar have different crystal sizes and densities. Here are the standard conversions for a level U.S. tablespoon:
  • Granulated Sugar: Approximately 12.5 grams. This is the most common type used in rubs.
  • Packed Brown Sugar: Approximately 14 grams. The moisture and molasses make it denser.
  • Powdered (Confectioners') Sugar: Approximately 7.5 - 8 grams. It's much finer and lighter.
For a BBQ rub like the one you're making, the recipe most likely intends for either granulated or brown sugar. Since precision isn't as critical as it is in baking, using 12.5 grams as your guide should work perfectly well. Happy cooking!
by chef (91.1k points)
+5 votes
A level tablespoon of granulated sugar is 12.5 grams. For packed brown sugar, it is 14 grams. Powdered sugar is approximately 8 grams.

I highly recommend purchasing a small digital scale. It is an inexpensive tool that removes all guesswork, which is important when trying to replicate recipes accurately, especially for weeknight cooking. It ensures your results are consistent every time you make the rub.
by
+4 votes
Ugh I hate it when recipes use grams. Like unless your a pro baker who has a tiny little scale for this stuff. I just wanna use my spoons that I already have in the drawer thank you very much.

Anyway I had to look this up a while ago cuz I had the same problem. A tablespoon of the normal white sugar is about 12 or 13 grams. If you have to use brown sugar its a little bit heavier maybe 14 grams cuz you have to pack it in there good you know.

Honestly for a bbq rub a little more or a little less sugar aint gonna make or break it. Just go for it. Good luck with the recipe from bbqdad45 he sounds very official.
by
0 votes
Its about 12.5 grams for a tablespoon of regular white sugar.

For your bbq rub that should be close enough. I make rubs sometimes and you dont need to be perfectly exact for it to turn out fine. It will still taste good.
by
–3 votes
It is 12.5 grams in a tablespoon for white sugar. In my country all recipes are in grams, its much better for cooking.

I always use a scale for my meal prep. This way the food tastes the same every batch, just like my family would make.
by