This article will provide information regarding how many tablespoons are in a cup. It's important to measure ingredients accurately, especially when baking, and knowing the correct conversions is essential. Fortunately, you'll find everything you need here, including conversion charts that I've created and are available to print for free.
This post will teach anyone how to convert and calculate volume measurements from cups to tablespoons for recipes, including how many tablespoons are equal to a cup. Don't miss the Free Charts below. I love offering free charts, such as this one, How Much Pasta Per Person.
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The United States commonly uses teaspoons, tablespoons, and cups for volume measurements. Once you determine the number of tablespoons in a cup, converting between the two measurements becomes a breeze. Therefore, if you don't have a measuring cup nearby, using measuring spoons is a viable option.
See the sections below to find just what you are looking for. Never again guess or estimate when cooking or baking. Make sure you have the exact amount needed so your recipe turns out delicious.
Teaspoon vs Tablespoons
The two measurements typically are used for small amounts of wet or dry ingredients. You will see these used maybe for spices, extracts, or baking powder. Tablespoons are larger than teaspoons.
Tablespoons and teaspoons can be referred to in recipes with different abbreviations. Here is how they may be listed in recipe cards or cookbooks.
- Tablespoons may be listed as T, Tb, Tbs, TBS, and tablespoon (some upper & lowercase).
- Teaspoons may be listed as tsp, ts, or t (usually always lowercase).
Sets of measuring spoons typically include both teaspoon and tablespoon sizes. They often range in size from ⅛ teaspoon to 1 Tablespoon or larger. I have a set that has a 1.5 Tablespoon size that I actually love - perfect for two scoops when 3 Tablespoons are needed.
How Much is a Tablespoon?
A tablespoon is not the same tablespoon across the globe. What makes up a tablespoon in the United States is not the same amount in other countries like the United Kingdom or Australia. So if you are following a recipe online, pay attention to the differences in measurements.
Here is a quick breakdown of what you need to know. Here is what a tablespoon equals in several different countries. This is based on the four different forms of measurement; Imperial Cup, International Metric, United States Metric, & United Kingdom Metric.
A quick tablespoon to milliliters conversion.
- United States - 1 Tablespoon = ½ ounce or 14.8 ml
- United Kingdom - 1 Tablespoon = 15 ml
- Canada - 1 Tablespoon = 15 ml
- Australia - 1 Tablespoon = 20 ml
One cup is equal to 8 ounces or 236.6 ml.
How to Measure out a Cup using Tablespoons
If you only have measuring spoons handy, measuring out a cup of liquid or dry ingredients is easy. You just need to remember this simple equation for how many tablespoons are in a cup. Then you can do any conversion - like ½ or ¾ cup.
Here is the equation that is a lifesaver in the kitchen!
- 16 tablespoons = 1 cup
I find this to be the most helpful when working with butter. Each stick is a ½ cup. There are 8 lines on each stick measuring out 8 tablespoons. Another quick thing to remember is 2 sticks of butter in a cup (aka 16 tablespoons). See baking some red velvet crinkle cookies just got easier.
Which Measuring Cups to Use for Dry vs Liquid
It is important to use the right piece of equipment when measuring out liquid versus dry ingredients. If you are using measuring spoons, be careful with all that liquid in those tiny spoons. With larger vessels, like glass measuring cups, cooking is a lot easier and less messy.
- LIQUID MEASURING CUP - it is typically a clear container made of glass or plastic. The see-through design has a handle and spout for easy pouring. Use by pouring any liquid into the cup and making it level with the desired measurement line.
- DRY MEASURING CUPS - these are typically sold as a set of individual plastic cups. Each has a specific measurement and should be filled to the top. The exact amount when leveled off with a flat edge will be precise for dry ingredients.
Tablespoons to Cups Free Printable Chart
Here is the perfect chart to hang up in your kitchen or pantry. For measuring in the US, the chart below shows how tablespoons or teaspoons to cups are converted.
Keep this quick reference guide handy - save it to your browser, Pin it to Pinterest, or DOWNLOAD & PRINT HERE.
More Cooking Conversion Charts
Here are more cooking conversion charts that every kitchen needs. These are the best free printables to help with just about any measurement calculation. View these other articles & find the charts you need. More FREE Printables included!
Best Measuring Cups & Spoons Sets
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