White sugar vs Brown sugar
A side-by-side guide to substituting Brown sugar for White sugar (or vice versa).
Brown sugar works as a 1:1 swap for White sugar in most recipes.
Side-by-side
Brown sugar
Conversion: 1:1 substitution (use the same amount)
Tags: common
Notes: 1:1 swap. Adds molasses flavor and extra moisture. Baked goods will be chewier and slightly denser — excellent in cookies.
Read the full guide: Brown sugar
Calculate the exact swap for your recipe in seconds.
Open calculator →When to use Brown sugar instead of White sugar
1:1 swap. Adds molasses flavor and extra moisture. Baked goods will be chewier and slightly denser — excellent in cookies. The conversion is 1:1 substitution (use the same amount).
Common questions
Yes — 1:1 swap. Adds molasses flavor and extra moisture. Baked goods will be chewier and slightly denser — excellent in cookies. Ratio: 1:1 substitution (use the same amount).
1:1 substitution (use the same amount). For other quantities, use the SubSwap calculator.
They are similar in most uses, but 1:1 swap..
Brown sugar is one of the options SubSwap lists for White sugar. The 'best' choice depends on your recipe — see the full list of White sugar substitutes.
Looking for more White sugar substitutes beyond Brown sugar?
See all White sugar swaps →