How Much Is 16 Tablespoons of Powdered Sugar in Ounces?
16 tablespoons of powdered sugar weighs 4.23 oz. This is based on powdered sugar having a density of 120g per cup. Because tablespoons measure volume and ounces measure weight, the result depends on the ingredient, and a different ingredient would give a different result for the same 16 tablespoons.
Formula and Step-by-Step
- Start with 16 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar = 7.5g
- 16 × 7.5 = 120g
- Convert grams to ounces: 120 ÷ 28.3495 = 4.23 oz
The same formula works for any amount. Multiply (or divide) by the density, then convert units as needed.
Measuring Tip
Powdered sugar settles significantly during storage. Sifted powdered sugar weighs about 100g per cup compared to 120g unsifted - check whether your recipe means sifted or unsifted.
Powdered Sugar at Different Amounts
How powdered sugar scales across common tablespoons measurements. Your amount (16 tablespoons) is highlighted.
For reference, 16 tablespoons of powdered sugar (120g) is close in weight to a bar of soap (113g).
Other Amounts of Powdered Sugar
| Tablespoons | US Ounces | Metric Tablespoon | Australian Tablespoon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | 0.26 oz | 0.27 oz | 0.36 oz |
| 2 tablespoons | 0.53 oz | 0.54 oz | 0.72 oz |
| 3 tablespoons | 0.79 oz | 0.81 oz | 1.07 oz |
| 4 tablespoons | 1.06 oz | 1.07 oz | 1.43 oz |
| 5 tablespoons | 1.32 oz | 1.34 oz | 1.79 oz |
| 6 tablespoons | 1.59 oz | 1.61 oz | 2.15 oz |
| 8 tablespoons | 2.12 oz | 2.15 oz | 2.86 oz |
| 10 tablespoons | 2.65 oz | 2.68 oz | 3.58 oz |
| 12 tablespoons | 3.17 oz | 3.22 oz | 4.29 oz |
| 16 tablespoons | 4.23 oz | 4.29 oz | 5.73 oz |
Understanding the Units
What is a Tablespoon?
One tablespoon holds about 15 milliliters. There are 16 tablespoons in a cup and 3 teaspoons in a tablespoon. In baking, tablespoon measurements are used for butter, oil, honey, and other ingredients where a full cup would be too much.
What is an Ounce?
Weight ounces and fluid ounces are different measurements. A fluid ounce measures volume (29.574 ml), while an ounce measures weight (28.35g). They only align for water, where 1 fl oz weighs approximately 1 oz.