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16 oz (1 lb) Dark Brown Sugar = 2 ⅛ cups

16 oz (1 lb) (453.6 grams) of dark brown sugar equals 2 ⅛ cups (2.13 US Customary cups, 2.02 Metric 250 mL cups, 503.8 mL, or 34.07 tablespoons) when measured firmly packed at a verified density of 213g per US Customary cup.

Metric weight: 453.6g • Exact volume: 2.13 US Cups • 2.02 Metric Cups • 34.07 tbsp

Batch
Measuring density
Converted Measure
16 oz Dark Brown Sugar (firmly packed) =
2 ⅛ US Cups
Physical scoop breakdown2.13 cups
1 cup
1 cup
×2
2 tbsp
Edit either side to reverseDark Brown Sugar chart →
Grams
453.6 g
Ounces
16 oz
US Cups
2 ⅛ cups
Metric (250mL)
2.02 c
Tablespoons
34.07 tbsp
Milliliters
503.8 mL

Kitchen note: Test-kitchen baseline uses firmly packed (213g/cup). Switching to unpacked / loose (150g/cup) changes each cup by 63g—use the packing toggle on the scale bench to match your recipe.

Batch Scaling Around 16 oz (1 lb) Dark Brown Sugar

Batch scaling conversion table around 16 oz (1 lb) of Dark Brown Sugar (0.5× to 3× recipe batches in grams, ounces, US cups, and milliliters)
Batch Scale Weight (g / oz) US Cups & Spoons Metric (mL)
Half Batch (0.5×) 226.8g (8 oz) 1 cup + 1 tbsp 251.9 mL
Standard (1×) 453.6g (16 oz) 2 ⅛ cups 503.8 mL
1.5× Batch 680.4g (24 oz) 3 cups + 3 tbsp + ¼ tsp 755.7 mL
Double Batch (2×) 907.2g (32 oz) 4 ¼ cups 1007.6 mL
Triple Batch (3×) 1360.8g (48 oz) 6 ⅓ cups + 2 ¾ tsp 1511.5 mL

Measuring 16 oz (1 lb) of Dark Brown Sugar in the Kitchen

Because 1 US Customary Cup (236.6 mL) of dark brown sugar weighs 213g when measured firmly packed, 16 Ounces (453.6g) translates to 2.13 US cups (2 ⅛ cups). By contrast, using the unpacked / loose measure (150g/cup — a 63g per-cup shift), 16 oz occupies 3 cups + 1 ¼ tsp (3.02 cups).

Without a kitchen scale, measure 2 ⅛ cups (34.07 tablespoons total) using firmly packed technique. Pack firmly into the measuring cup to press out all air pockets. Dark brown sugar contains approximately 6.5% molasses, making it denser and stickier than light brown sugar.

Source note: King Arthur Baking standard (213g/cup packed) & USDA FDC #169657

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cups is 16 ounces (16 oz) of dark brown sugar? ▾

16 ounces (453.6 grams) of dark brown sugar (firmly packed, 213g per US cup) equals 2 ⅛ cups (2.13 US Customary Cups, 2.02 Metric 250 mL cups, or 34.07 tablespoons).

What is the culinary difference between light and dark brown sugar? ▾

Dark brown sugar has nearly double the molasses content, imparting deeper caramel flavor, darker color, and higher acidity.

Can I swap dark brown sugar for light brown sugar 1:1 by weight? ▾

Yes, substitute gram for gram; recipes will bake with slightly more moisture and a pronounced molasses aroma.