Convert Onion from Cups (chopped) to Pounds
Onion converter
Use the tool below to convert onion from Cups (chopped) to Pounds.
Onion size swings from a 70 g small to a 150 g large, more than double. Setting the size below means “1 cup chopped” comes out right whether your onions are small or jumbo.
How many pounds is a cup of onions?
A cup of onions is about 0.37 pounds. Half that is about 0.18 pounds and double about 0.74 pounds, so the ratio scales in a straight line. Use the converter above for any amount, or the chart below for the most common quantities.
Out of onion? See onion substitutes →
Already chopping? The chopped onion converter moves straight between cups, grams, and spoons of prepped onion. See our Chopped Onion converter.
Need a milder, more delicate allium? Shallots (20–60 g) suit dressings and pan sauces. See our Shallot converter.
Spring onions (10–25 g) are tender and herbaceous, great raw or as a garnish. See our Spring Onion converter.
Mincing garlic for the same dish? Garlic cloves (2–7 g) bring pungent bite where onion brings sweet body. See our Garlic converter.
No measuring cups? The tool below gets you close, and a measuring cup set keeps every batch the same.
Enter an amount, pick your units, and set the size for counting whole onions.
Result
0.37 lbCommon Onion conversions
Quick reference for onion at medium size. Switch the size in the converter above for small or large.
| Cups (chopped) | Pounds |
|---|---|
| 0.25 cups | 0.09 lb |
| 0.5 cups | 0.18 lb |
| 0.75 cups | 0.28 lb |
| 1 cup | 0.37 lb |
| 1.5 cups | 0.55 lb |
| 2 cups | 0.74 lb |
| 3 cups | 1.1 lb |
Onion conversion chart
The chart below shows how whole onions (medium size) convert to cups, grams and ounces.
| cups | lb | onions | cups (US) | g | oz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25 cups | 0.09 lb | 0.38 onions | 0.26 cups (US) | 41.75 g | 1.47 oz |
| 0.5 cups | 0.18 lb | 0.76 onions | 0.52 cups (US) | 83.5 g | 2.95 oz |
| 1 cup | 0.37 lb | 1.52 onions | 1.04 cups (US) | 167 g | 5.89 oz |
| 1.5 cups | 0.55 lb | 2.28 onions | 1.57 cups (US) | 250.5 g | 8.84 oz |
| 2 cups | 0.74 lb | 3.04 onions | 2.09 cups (US) | 334 g | 11.78 oz |
Onion varieties and best uses
The conversions above are the same whatever variety you use; the difference is what each is good for. Here is how the common onion varieties compare.
| Variety | Best for |
|---|---|
| Yellow / brown | All-purpose cooking, soups, caramelising: balanced and sweetens when cooked. |
| Red | Raw in salads and pickling: mild, colourful; also good roasted. |
| White | Mexican dishes and salsa: sharp and clean raw. |
| Sweet (Vidalia / Walla Walla) | Onion rings and raw slices: low pungency, high sugar. |
| Shallot | Dressings and pan sauces: delicate, subtle flavour. |
Which should I pick?
For everyday cooking, soups, and caramelising, a yellow / brown onion is the default, with the most balanced flavour. For raw use in salads, salsa, or pickling, a red or sweet (Vidalia / Walla Walla) onion is milder. White onions suit Mexican dishes; shallots are the delicate choice for dressings and pan sauces.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many pounds is a cup of onions?
- A cup of onions is about 0.37 pounds of onion. The density of chopped onion is fixed, so the ratio holds at any amount: double the cups and you double the pounds. Use the converter above for any quantity, or the chart below for the most common amounts. Open the onion converter
- How many cups of onions is 0.37 pounds?
- 0.37 pounds of onions is about 1 cup. The conversion works the same in reverse, so you can switch between cups and pounds without changing the result. This helps when a recipe lists one unit but you would rather measure the other. Use the converter above for any amount.
- Which onion variety should I use?
- For everyday cooking, soups, and caramelising, a yellow / brown onion is the default, with the most balanced flavour. For raw use in salads, salsa, or pickling, a red or sweet (Vidalia / Walla Walla) onion is milder. White onions suit Mexican dishes; shallots are the delicate choice for dressings and pan sauces.
Other produce
Convert another fruit or vegetable:
- Apple
- Pear
- Lemon
- Lime
- Orange
- Grapefruit
- Banana
- Strawberry
- Blueberry
- Grapes
- Plum
- Apricot
- Fig
- Pomegranate
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Kiwi
- Watermelon
- Tomato
- Cucumber
- Avocado
- Potato
- Sweet Potato
- Corn
- Carrot
- Beetroot
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Pumpkin
- Butternut Squash
- Zucchini
- Mushroom
- Portobello Mushroom
- Bell Pepper
- Shallot
- Spring Onion
- Celery
- Fennel
- Garlic
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Spinach
- Kale
- Silverbeet
- All ingredient measurements