Tablespoons to Teaspoons Converter (Tbsp ⇄ Tsp)
Convert tablespoons to teaspoons instantly for cooking and baking. 1 tbsp = 3 tsp, 2 tbsp = 6 tsp, 1/2 tbsp = 1.5 tsp. Perfect for adjusting recipe quantities, measuring spices, or converting between different volume measurements.
Tablespoons ⇄ Teaspoons Calculator
Convert Tablespoon (tbsp) to Teaspoon (tsp) and back. Perfect for fast cooking & baking conversions.
Key fact: 1 tbsp = 3 tsp = 1/2 fl oz = 15 mL
How many teaspoons in 1 tablespoon?
1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons
This is a standard US volume measurement. One tablespoon always equals exactly 3 teaspoons.
Complete Tablespoons to Teaspoons Conversion Chart
Quick reference table for converting tablespoons to teaspoons. All measurements use standard US measurements (1 tbsp = 3 tsp).
Common Tablespoon Measurements
| Tablespoons (tbsp) | Teaspoons (tsp) | Milliliters (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 tbsp | 0.75 tsp | 3.7 mL |
| 1/2 tbsp | 1.5 tsp | 7.4 mL |
| 1 tbsp | 3 tsp | 14.8 mL |
| 1.5 tbsp | 4.5 tsp | 22.2 mL |
| 2 tbsp | 6 tsp | 29.6 mL (1 fl oz) |
| 3 tbsp | 9 tsp | 44.4 mL |
| 4 tbsp | 12 tsp | 59.1 mL (1/4 cup) |
| 5 tbsp | 15 tsp | 73.9 mL |
| 6 tbsp | 18 tsp | 88.7 mL |
| 8 tbsp | 24 tsp | 118.3 mL (1/2 cup) |
| 12 tbsp | 36 tsp | 177.4 mL (3/4 cup) |
| 16 tbsp | 48 tsp | 236.6 mL (1 cup) |
Teaspoons to Tablespoons
| Teaspoons (tsp) | Tablespoons (tbsp) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tsp | 0.33 tbsp | 1/3 tablespoon |
| 2 tsp | 0.67 tbsp | 2/3 tablespoon |
| 3 tsp | 1 tbsp | Exactly 1 tablespoon |
| 6 tsp | 2 tbsp | 1 fluid ounce |
| 9 tsp | 3 tbsp | Common spice amount |
| 12 tsp | 4 tbsp | 1/4 cup |
| 24 tsp | 8 tbsp | 1/2 cup |
| 48 tsp | 16 tbsp | 1 cup |
Fractional Tablespoon Measurements
| Fraction | Tablespoons (tbsp) | Teaspoons (tsp) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 tbsp | 0.125 tbsp | 0.375 tsp |
| 1/4 tbsp | 0.25 tbsp | 0.75 tsp |
| 1/3 tbsp | 0.33 tbsp | 1 tsp |
| 1/2 tbsp | 0.5 tbsp | 1.5 tsp |
| 2/3 tbsp | 0.67 tbsp | 2 tsp |
| 3/4 tbsp | 0.75 tbsp | 2.25 tsp |
Common Cooking Uses: When to Use Tablespoons vs Teaspoons
Understanding when to use tablespoons versus teaspoons can help you measure ingredients more accurately and efficiently.
🥄 Use Teaspoons For:
- Spices (cinnamon, paprika, cumin)
- Baking powder and baking soda
- Vanilla extract
- Salt (when not a pinch)
- Lemon juice (small amounts)
- Dry mustard
🥄 Use Tablespoons For:
- Oil and butter (melted)
- Sugar (small amounts)
- Flour (small amounts)
- Honey and syrup
- Peanut butter
- Vinegar and soy sauce
Typical Recipe Amounts
| Ingredient | Typical Amount | Conversion |
|---|---|---|
| Vanilla extract | 1-2 tsp | 0.33-0.67 tbsp |
| Baking powder | 2-3 tsp | 0.67-1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1/2-1 tsp | 0.17-0.33 tbsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1-2 tsp | 0.33-0.67 tbsp |
| Olive oil (sautéing) | 2-4 tbsp | 6-12 tsp |
| Soy sauce | 2-3 tbsp | 6-9 tsp |
| Honey | 1-3 tbsp | 3-9 tsp |
| Lemon juice | 1-2 tbsp | 3-6 tsp |
How to Convert Tablespoons to Teaspoons
✓ The Formula
teaspoons = tablespoons × 3
To go the other way: tablespoons = teaspoons ÷ 3
Quick Memory Trick
Remember: "3 tsp per tbsp" — there are always exactly 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon. Think of it like a tripod with 3 legs supporting 1 platform!
Step-by-Step Conversion Examples
Example 1: Convert 4 tablespoons to teaspoons
- Start with the amount: 4 tablespoons
- Multiply by 3: 4 × 3 = 12 teaspoons
- Result: 4 tablespoons = 12 teaspoons
Example 2: Convert 1.5 tablespoons to teaspoons
- Start with the amount: 1.5 tablespoons
- Multiply by 3: 1.5 × 3 = 4.5 teaspoons
- Result: 1.5 tablespoons = 4.5 teaspoons
Example 3: Convert 9 teaspoons to tablespoons
- Start with teaspoons: 9 teaspoons
- Divide by 3: 9 ÷ 3 = 3 tablespoons
- Result: 9 teaspoons = 3 tablespoons
Example 4: Convert 5 teaspoons to tablespoons
- Start with teaspoons: 5 teaspoons
- Divide by 3: 5 ÷ 3 = 1.67 tablespoons
- Result: 5 teaspoons = 1.67 tablespoons (or 1 tbsp + 2 tsp)
Understanding US vs International Tablespoon & Teaspoon Measurements
While the relationship (1 tbsp = 3 tsp) is consistent worldwide, the actual volume differs slightly between countries.
⚠️ Important: Regional Differences
| US Tablespoon: | 14.79 mL (3 tsp of 4.93 mL each) |
| UK/Canadian Tablespoon: | 15 mL (3 tsp of 5 mL each) |
| Australian Tablespoon: | 20 mL (4 tsp of 5 mL each!) |
Note: Australian tablespoons are unique—they equal 4 teaspoons, not 3! This converter uses standard US measurements (1 tbsp = 3 tsp).
Volume Comparison
| Region | 1 Tablespoon | 1 Teaspoon |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 14.79 mL (3 tsp) | 4.93 mL |
| UK/Canada | 15 mL (3 tsp) | 5 mL |
| Australia | 20 mL (4 tsp) | 5 mL |
Practical Tips for Measuring with Spoons
🥄 Level Off Dry Ingredients
Use a straight edge (knife or spatula) to level off dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and spices. Heaped spoonfuls can contain 50% more than leveled measurements.
💧 Fill to the Brim for Liquids
For liquid ingredients (oil, vanilla, honey), fill measuring spoons to the brim. Surface tension holds the liquid in place. Measure over a bowl to catch drips.
📏 Use Proper Measuring Spoons
Regular eating spoons vary widely in size. Always use standardized measuring spoons for accurate results. A set includes 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, and 1 tbsp.
🔄 When to Substitute
Don't have a tablespoon? Use 3 teaspoons instead. Missing a 1/2 tbsp? Use 1 tsp + 1/2 tsp. The math is simple and the results are accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teaspoons in 1 tablespoon?
1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons. This is a standard volume measurement used throughout American cooking and baking. The relationship is exact: 1 tablespoon always equals exactly 3 teaspoons.
How many teaspoons in 2 tablespoons?
2 tablespoons = 6 teaspoons. Formula: 2 tablespoons × 3 teaspoons/tablespoon = 6 teaspoons. This is also equal to 1 fluid ounce or approximately 30 mL.
How many teaspoons in 1/2 tablespoon?
1/2 tablespoon = 1.5 teaspoons. Formula: 0.5 × 3 = 1.5 teaspoons. This is half of a standard tablespoon measurement, often written as 1½ tsp.
How many tablespoons in 6 teaspoons?
6 teaspoons = 2 tablespoons. Formula: 6 teaspoons ÷ 3 teaspoons/tablespoon = 2 tablespoons. This is also equal to 1 fluid ounce.
Is a US tablespoon the same as a UK tablespoon?
Almost, but not exactly. US tablespoon = 14.79 mL while UK tablespoon = 15 mL. The difference is about 0.21 mL (about 4 drops), which is negligible for most cooking. Both equal 3 teaspoons in their respective systems.
How do you convert tablespoons to teaspoons?
To convert tablespoons to teaspoons, multiply the number of tablespoons by 3. Formula: teaspoons = tablespoons × 3. For example: 4 tablespoons × 3 = 12 teaspoons.
How do you convert teaspoons to tablespoons?
To convert teaspoons to tablespoons, divide the number of teaspoons by 3. Formula: tablespoons = teaspoons ÷ 3. For example: 9 teaspoons ÷ 3 = 3 tablespoons.
Can I use regular eating spoons for measuring?
No! Regular spoons vary widely in size and are not standardized. A typical eating spoon might hold anywhere from 2 to 4 teaspoons. Always use proper measuring spoons for accurate results, especially in baking where precision matters.
What if I don't have a tablespoon measure?
If you don't have a tablespoon measure, use 3 teaspoons instead. They're equivalent. For example, if a recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of oil, measure out 6 teaspoons instead.
Are Australian tablespoons different?
Yes! Australian tablespoons = 20 mL = 4 teaspoons, not 3. This is unique to Australia. If using an Australian recipe outside Australia (or vice versa), be aware of this difference. Most other countries use 1 tbsp = 3 tsp.
How many tablespoons in a cup?
1 cup = 16 tablespoons = 48 teaspoons. This relationship is useful when scaling recipes or converting between different measurement units.
Should I use weight or volume for spices?
For home cooking, teaspoons and tablespoons work fine for spices. For professional or very precise baking, weighing in grams is more accurate. However, the small quantities of spices used mean volume measurements are usually sufficient.
Related Converters
Note
US measurements unless noted. This converter uses US tablespoons (14.79 mL = 3 teaspoons). UK/Canadian tablespoons are 15 mL. Australian tablespoons are 20 mL = 4 teaspoons. Results are accurate for standard US volume conversions. For professional applications, verify measurements with calibrated tools.