Grams to Tablespoons Converter
Convert grams (g) to tablespoons (tbsp) instantly with our free converter. Whether you’re baking a Victoria sponge or preparing a traditional Sunday roast, accurate measurements are essential. This converter accounts for ingredient density to provide precise results for UK metric tablespoons (15 mL).
Common Ingredient Conversions
Different ingredients have varying densities, which affects how many tablespoons a given weight occupies. Below are quick reference values for popular baking and cooking ingredients.
Granulated Sugar
1 tbsp = 12.5 g
50 g = 4 tbsp
100 g = 8 tbsp
Plain Flour
1 tbsp = 7.8 g
50 g = 6.4 tbsp
100 g = 12.8 tbsp
Butter
1 tbsp = 14.2 g
50 g = 3.5 tbsp
100 g = 7 tbsp
Honey
1 tbsp = 21 g
50 g = 2.4 tbsp
100 g = 4.8 tbsp
Olive Oil
1 tbsp = 13.6 g
50 g = 3.7 tbsp
100 g = 7.4 tbsp
Salt
1 tbsp = 17.8 g
50 g = 2.8 tbsp
100 g = 5.6 tbsp
Conversion Charts
Granulated Sugar: Grams to Tablespoons
| Grams (g) | Tablespoons (tbsp) | Teaspoons (tsp) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 g | 0.4 tbsp | 1.2 tsp |
| 10 g | 0.8 tbsp | 2.4 tsp |
| 15 g | 1.2 tbsp | 3.6 tsp |
| 20 g | 1.6 tbsp | 4.8 tsp |
| 25 g | 2 tbsp | 6 tsp |
| 50 g | 4 tbsp | 12 tsp |
| 75 g | 6 tbsp | 18 tsp |
| 100 g | 8 tbsp | 24 tsp |
| 150 g | 12 tbsp | 36 tsp |
| 200 g | 16 tbsp | 48 tsp |
Plain Flour: Grams to Tablespoons
| Grams (g) | Tablespoons (tbsp) | Cups (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 g | 1.3 tbsp | 0.08 cups |
| 20 g | 2.6 tbsp | 0.16 cups |
| 30 g | 3.8 tbsp | 0.24 cups |
| 50 g | 6.4 tbsp | 0.4 cups |
| 75 g | 9.6 tbsp | 0.6 cups |
| 100 g | 12.8 tbsp | 0.8 cups |
| 125 g | 16 tbsp | 1 cup |
| 150 g | 19.2 tbsp | 1.2 cups |
| 200 g | 25.6 tbsp | 1.6 cups |
| 250 g | 32 tbsp | 2 cups |
Butter: Grams to Tablespoons
| Grams (g) | Tablespoons (tbsp) | Ounces (oz) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 g | 0.7 tbsp | 0.35 oz |
| 25 g | 1.8 tbsp | 0.88 oz |
| 50 g | 3.5 tbsp | 1.76 oz |
| 75 g | 5.3 tbsp | 2.65 oz |
| 100 g | 7 tbsp | 3.5 oz |
| 125 g | 8.8 tbsp | 4.4 oz |
| 150 g | 10.6 tbsp | 5.3 oz |
| 175 g | 12.3 tbsp | 6.2 oz |
| 200 g | 14.1 tbsp | 7 oz |
| 250 g | 17.6 tbsp | 8.8 oz |
Conversion Formula
Basic Formula:
Tablespoons = Grams ÷ Density (g/tbsp)
If you have density in g/mL:
Tablespoons = Grams ÷ (Density × 15)
Note: UK metric tablespoon = 15 mL
Step-by-Step Conversion Example
Example: Convert 75 grams of granulated sugar to tablespoons
- Identify the ingredient: Granulated sugar
- Find the density: 12.5 g per tablespoon
- Apply the formula: 75 g ÷ 12.5 g/tbsp = 6 tbsp
- Result: 75 grams of granulated sugar equals 6 tablespoons
Visual Comparison
This visual representation shows how the same weight (50 grams) of different ingredients occupies different volumes in tablespoons due to varying densities.
Tablespoon Measurements in the UK
The UK uses the metric tablespoon, which is standardised at exactly 15 millilitres. This differs from the imperial tablespoon previously used in Britain (17.76 mL) and the US tablespoon (14.79 mL). When following British recipes, always assume a 15 mL metric tablespoon unless specified otherwise. Most modern UK measuring spoons are calibrated to this metric standard, making conversions more straightforward for European and Commonwealth recipes.
Key Measurement Standards:
- UK Metric Tablespoon: 15 mL (current standard)
- Imperial Tablespoon: 17.76 mL (historical)
- US Tablespoon: 14.79 mL
- Australian Tablespoon: 20 mL
Why Ingredient Density Matters
Grams measure mass (weight), whilst tablespoons measure volume (space occupied). The relationship between these two depends entirely on the ingredient’s density—how tightly packed the particles are. Dense ingredients like honey weigh more per tablespoon than light, airy ingredients like flour. This is why 50 grams of honey equals only 2.4 tablespoons, whilst 50 grams of flour equals 6.4 tablespoons. For precision baking, professional bakers prefer weighing ingredients in grams rather than measuring by volume.
Density Categories
| Density Category | Examples | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Very Dense | Honey, Golden Syrup, Treacle | Heavy, viscous; few tablespoons per 100g |
| Dense | Salt, Butter, Water | Compact structure; moderate volume |
| Medium Density | Granulated Sugar, Olive Oil | Standard baking ingredients |
| Light | Plain Flour, Powdered Sugar | Airy, easily compacted; more tablespoons per 100g |
| Very Light | Ground Coffee, Cocoa Powder | Extremely fine particles; highly variable by packing |
Baking vs. Cooking Precision
Baking demands precise measurements because chemical reactions—such as gluten development in flour or sugar caramelisation—depend on exact ratios. A few extra grams of flour can make a cake dense rather than light and fluffy. Cooking savoury dishes offers more flexibility; a tablespoon more or less of olive oil or herbs rarely affects the outcome significantly. For cakes, biscuits, pastries, and bread, always weigh ingredients in grams when possible. For soups, stews, and sautés, tablespoon measurements provide sufficient accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grams are in a tablespoon?
The number of grams in a tablespoon varies by ingredient. A UK metric tablespoon of water weighs approximately 15 grams, granulated sugar weighs 12.5 grams, plain flour weighs 7.8 grams, and butter weighs 14.2 grams. The difference is due to each ingredient’s unique density.
Is a UK tablespoon the same as a US tablespoon?
No. A UK metric tablespoon equals 15 mL, whilst a US tablespoon equals approximately 14.79 mL. This slight difference can affect recipe outcomes, particularly in baking. When following American recipes in the UK, be aware that measurements may need minor adjustment.
Should I measure flour by weight or volume?
Weight is always more accurate. Flour compacts easily, so a “tablespoon” can vary significantly depending on how you scoop it. For consistent baking results, weigh flour in grams rather than measuring by volume. This eliminates variability from different packing methods.
Can I convert grams to tablespoons for liquids?
Yes, but you need to know the liquid’s density. Water is straightforward: 1 UK tablespoon (15 mL) of water weighs 15 grams. Olive oil is less dense (13.6 g/tbsp), whilst honey is denser (21 g/tbsp). The converter above handles common liquids automatically.
Why do recipes use both grams and tablespoons?
Traditional British and American recipes often used volume measurements (tablespoons, cups) because not every home had kitchen scales. Modern recipes increasingly use grams for precision, especially in baking. Some cooks find tablespoons more convenient for small quantities of liquids, oils, or spices.
How do I measure a tablespoon accurately?
Use a proper measuring spoon, not a serving spoon from your cutlery drawer. Fill the spoon to the brim and level it off with a straight edge (like a knife) for dry ingredients. For liquids, fill to the brim without overfilling. Avoid heaping measurements unless the recipe specifically calls for “heaped tablespoons”.
What’s the difference between level and heaped tablespoons?
A level tablespoon is filled to the brim and scraped flat. A heaped tablespoon has a rounded mound above the rim. Heaped measurements can contain 50-100% more than level measurements. UK recipes typically assume level tablespoons unless stated otherwise.
Can I use this converter for Australian recipes?
Exercise caution. Australian tablespoons are 20 mL, significantly larger than UK metric tablespoons (15 mL). If converting an Australian recipe, you’ll need to adjust: 1 Australian tbsp ≈ 1.33 UK tbsp. For accuracy, check the recipe’s origin and tablespoon standard.