Teaspoon to Tablespoon Converter
Convert teaspoons (tsp) to tablespoons (tbsp) for accurate cooking and baking measurements. Supports both US and metric systems.
How many tablespoons are in a teaspoon?
There are 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon for both US and metric measurements. This is a universal conversion: 1 tablespoon (tbsp) = 3 teaspoons (tsp). Therefore, to convert teaspoons to tablespoons, divide by 3. Example: 6 teaspoons = 6 ÷ 3 = 2 tablespoons. This ratio is consistent across measurement systems, though the actual volumes differ slightly between US and metric.
How do you convert teaspoons to tablespoons?
Divide the number of teaspoons by 3. Formula: Tablespoons = Teaspoons ÷ 3. Examples: 3 tsp = 1 tbsp, 6 tsp = 2 tbsp, 9 tsp = 3 tbsp, 1.5 tsp = 0.5 tbsp, 4.5 tsp = 1.5 tbsp. For quick mental math: Every 3 teaspoons equals 1 tablespoon. Fractional conversions: 1 tsp = 1/3 tbsp, 2 tsp = 2/3 tbsp. This works for both dry and liquid ingredients.
What is the difference between US and metric teaspoons/tablespoons?
US teaspoon = 4.93 mL, US tablespoon = 14.79 mL. Metric teaspoon = 5 mL, metric tablespoon = 15 mL. The difference is small (about 1.4%) but both use the same 3:1 ratio. Australia, New Zealand, and UK use metric measurements (5 mL tsp, 15 mL tbsp). US and Canada traditionally use US measurements. For most recipes, the difference is negligible, but in precise baking, use the system specified in the recipe.
How many teaspoons are in common tablespoon measurements?
Common conversions: 1/2 tbsp = 1.5 tsp, 1 tbsp = 3 tsp, 1.5 tbsp = 4.5 tsp, 2 tbsp = 6 tsp, 3 tbsp = 9 tsp, 4 tbsp = 12 tsp (1/4 cup), 8 tbsp = 24 tsp (1/2 cup), 16 tbsp = 48 tsp (1 cup). Remember: 1 tablespoon always equals 3 teaspoons. For fractions: 1/3 tbsp = 1 tsp, 2/3 tbsp = 2 tsp.
Can I substitute tablespoons for teaspoons in recipes?
Yes, using the 3:1 ratio. If a recipe calls for 9 teaspoons, use 3 tablespoons (9 ÷ 3 = 3). If it calls for 2 teaspoons and you only have tablespoons, use 2/3 tablespoon. However, for small quantities (1-2 tsp), using proper teaspoon measures is more accurate. Tablespoons are better for larger amounts. Always level off dry ingredients for accuracy. Liquid measurements are more forgiving of small variations.
How many milliliters are in teaspoons and tablespoons?
US measurements: 1 tsp = 4.93 mL, 1 tbsp = 14.79 mL (approximately 5 mL and 15 mL). Metric measurements: 1 tsp = 5 mL (exact), 1 tbsp = 15 mL (exact). Other conversions: 1 US tsp = 1/6 US fluid ounce, 1 US tbsp = 1/2 US fluid ounce. For cooking: 1 tsp ≈ 5 mL, 1 tbsp ≈ 15 mL is close enough. For medicine or chemistry, use precise measurements.
Why are there 3 teaspoons in a tablespoon?
This standardization comes from historical measurement systems. The ratio simplifies conversions and measurements in cooking. A tablespoon (originally a large serving spoon) was defined as 3 times a teaspoon (a small serving spoon). This 3:1 ratio has been maintained across measurement system updates (Imperial to US customary, and metric adaptations). It creates an easy-to-remember hierarchy: 3 tsp = 1 tbsp, 16 tbsp = 1 cup (48 tsp = 1 cup).