There are about 20 grams in a tablespoon of maple syrup. The King Arthur Baking ingredient weight chart lists 1/2 cup at 156 g, which works out to 19.5 g per tablespoon, and USDA FoodData Central lists 20 g.
| Amount | Grams |
|---|---|
| 1/4 tsp | 1.6 g |
| 1/2 tsp | 3.3 g |
| 1 tsp | 6.5 g |
| 1 tbsp | 19.5 g |
| 1/4 cup | 78 g |
| 1/3 cup | 104 g |
| 1/2 cup | 156 g |
| 1 cup | 312 g |
The table uses the King Arthur figure. If you prefer round numbers, 20 g per tablespoon is close enough for everyday cooking.
Why maple syrup weights shift a little
Maple syrup is sap that's been boiled down until it's thick and sweet. How far it's boiled decides how much water is left, and that changes how heavy a spoonful is. Two jugs from different producers can feel slightly different on the spoon.
A few other things move the number:
- Temperature. Cold syrup straight from the fridge is thicker and clings to the spoon, so less of it ends up in your bowl.
- Pancake syrup vs pure maple. Table syrups are usually made from corn syrup and flavorings, not maple sap. They may not weigh the same per spoon, so weigh them on their own.
- Domed spoons. Syrup can bulge over the rim of a spoon, adding a gram or two.
Grams in a tablespoon of maple syrup for baking and drinks
Most recipes use maple syrup in modest amounts, and weighing keeps them steady:
- Coffee or latte: 1 tsp is about 6.5 g.
- Salad dressing: 1 tbsp is 19.5 to 20 g.
- Glazed carrots or salmon: 2 tbsp is about 39 g.
- Maple oatmeal cookies: 1/2 cup is 156 g.
And if a recipe written in grams asks for 50 g of maple syrup, that's about 2 1/2 tbsp, since 50 divided by 19.5 is about 2.6.
How to measure maple syrup by weight
- Set the bowl, mug or jar on your scale and press tare.
- Pour the syrup in a slow, thin stream.
- Ease off a gram or two before the target, since syrup keeps dripping from the jug lip.
- Wipe the jug spout so it doesn't get sticky.
Pouring directly onto the scale means nothing gets left behind in a measuring cup. That's especially handy for baking, where a few missing grams of syrup can make a batter a little drier.
Common maple syrup mistakes
Swapping it for honey spoon for spoon. Honey is heavier, about 21 g per tablespoon in the King Arthur chart, and has a different flavor. If you swap, match grams and expect a slight change in taste.
Measuring cold syrup in a cup. It clings, so you lose some. Pour onto the scale instead.
Forgetting the liquid. When you swap maple syrup in for granulated sugar, you're also adding water. Many bakers reduce other liquid a bit, so look for a tested recipe if you're converting.
A practical tip: for small drinks and dressings, a MeasureMate digital measuring spoon scoops and weighs in one step. Press the tare button, dip, and read the weight in 0.1 g steps, so 6.5 g of syrup for your coffee is easy to repeat every morning.
Quick questions
How many grams is 1/4 cup of maple syrup?
About 78 g, based on the King Arthur figure of 156 g per 1/2 cup.
Is maple syrup heavier than honey?
No, it's a bit lighter. A tablespoon of maple syrup is about 19.5 to 20 g, while honey is about 21 g.
Does pancake syrup weigh the same as maple syrup?
Not necessarily. Pancake syrups are made from different ingredients, so weigh a level tablespoon of yours to know for sure.
Weights based on the King Arthur Baking ingredient weight chart and USDA FoodData Central.