Teaspoon to Tablespoon Converter

Convert teaspoons to tablespoons with precision. This converter supports both UK imperial and metric measurements, making it perfect for following recipes from any source.

Measurement System:

Metric (1 tbsp = 15 ml, 1 tsp = 5 ml) UK Imperial (1 tbsp = 17.76 ml, 1 tsp = 5.92 ml)

Teaspoons

tsp

Tablespoons

tbsp

1 tsp = 0.333 tbsp

Metric: 5 ml

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Teaspoon to Tablespoon Conversion Table

This reference table shows common conversions between teaspoons and tablespoons. The ratio remains constant at 3:1 regardless of whether you’re working with metric or imperial measurements.

Teaspoons (tsp)	Tablespoons (tbsp)	Metric Volume	Imperial Volume
¼ tsp	0.083 tbsp	1.25 ml	1.48 ml
½ tsp	0.167 tbsp	2.5 ml	2.96 ml
1 tsp	0.333 tbsp	5 ml	5.92 ml
1½ tsp	0.5 tbsp	7.5 ml	8.88 ml
2 tsp	0.667 tbsp	10 ml	11.84 ml
3 tsp	1 tbsp	15 ml	17.76 ml
6 tsp	2 tbsp	30 ml	35.52 ml
9 tsp	3 tbsp	45 ml	53.28 ml
12 tsp	4 tbsp	60 ml	71.04 ml
15 tsp	5 tbsp	75 ml	88.80 ml
18 tsp	6 tbsp	90 ml	106.56 ml

Conversion Formula and Method

The relationship between teaspoons and tablespoons follows a simple mathematical ratio. Understanding this formula allows you to convert any measurement with confidence.

Teaspoons to Tablespoons:

Tablespoons = Teaspoons ÷ 3

Tablespoons to Teaspoons:

Teaspoons = Tablespoons × 3

Step-by-Step Examples

Example 1: Converting 6 teaspoons to tablespoons

Take your teaspoon measurement: 6 tsp
Divide by 3: 6 ÷ 3 = 2
Result: 6 tsp = 2 tbsp

Example 2: Converting 2.5 tablespoons to teaspoons

Take your tablespoon measurement: 2.5 tbsp
Multiply by 3: 2.5 × 3 = 7.5
Result: 2.5 tbsp = 7.5 tsp

Example 3: Converting ½ teaspoon to tablespoons

Take your teaspoon measurement: 0.5 tsp
Divide by 3: 0.5 ÷ 3 = 0.167
Result: ½ tsp ≈ 0.167 tbsp (roughly ⅙ tbsp)

Visual Comparison

Here’s what different spoon measurements look like in both metric and UK imperial systems. This helps you understand the actual volumes you’re working with.

🥄

1 Teaspoon

Metric: 5 ml

Imperial: 5.92 ml

🥄🥄

1 Dessertspoon

Metric: 10 ml

= 2 teaspoons

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1 Tablespoon

Metric: 15 ml

Imperial: 17.76 ml

UK vs US Measurements

British and American spoon measurements differ slightly. This matters when you’re following recipes from different countries or using imported measuring spoons.

Key Differences:

UK imperial tablespoons are 20% larger than American tablespoons. A UK tablespoon holds 17.76 ml, whilst a US tablespoon holds 14.79 ml. However, most modern UK kitchens now use metric measurements where 1 tablespoon = 15 ml.

Measurement	UK Metric	UK Imperial	US Standard
1 Teaspoon	5 ml	5.92 ml	4.93 ml
1 Dessertspoon	10 ml	11.84 ml	Not used
1 Tablespoon	15 ml	17.76 ml	14.79 ml
Ratio (tsp:tbsp)	3:1	3:1	3:1

Australian Note: Australia uses a unique system where 1 tablespoon = 20 ml and equals 4 teaspoons (not 3). If you’re following an Australian recipe, be aware of this significant difference.

The Dessertspoon Difference

Dessertspoons are commonly used in British recipes but are virtually unknown in American cooking. They sit right between teaspoons and tablespoons in size.

One dessertspoon equals:

2 teaspoons
½ tablespoon
10 ml (metric)
11.84 ml (imperial)

When a recipe calls for a dessertspoon and you don’t have one, simply use 2 teaspoons instead. Many modern British cooks have moved away from dessertspoons in favour of metric measurements, but they’re still found in traditional recipes and older cookery books.

When Measurements Matter Most

Precision varies depending on what you’re making. Some recipes forgive small variations, whilst others demand exactness.

High-Precision Situations

Baking powder and bicarbonate of soda in cakes
Yeast for bread making
Salt in bread dough
Spices like cayenne pepper or saffron
Gelatine for setting desserts

More Forgiving Measurements

Herbs in savoury dishes
Vanilla extract in most recipes
Sugar in sauces
Oil for sautéing
Butter in most cooking (not baking)

For critical ingredients, always level off your measuring spoon with a knife. Heaping spoonfuls can contain up to twice the intended amount.

Related Kitchen Conversions

Spoon measurements often work alongside other volume units in recipes. Here are the most common conversions you’ll need.

From	To	Conversion
1 tablespoon	Millilitres	15 ml (metric) / 17.76 ml (imperial)
1 tablespoon	Fluid ounces	0.5 fl oz (UK imperial)
1 teaspoon	Millilitres	5 ml (metric) / 5.92 ml (imperial)
1 cup	Tablespoons	16 tbsp (US) / 13.3 tbsp (UK metric)
1 cup	Teaspoons	48 tsp (US) / 40 tsp (UK metric)
¼ cup	Tablespoons	4 tbsp
½ cup	Tablespoons	8 tbsp
1 tablespoon	Drops (approx)	180 drops

Practical Cooking Tips

These tips help you measure accurately and adapt recipes when needed.

When You Don’t Have Measuring Spoons

Standard cutlery isn’t reliable for measuring, but here are rough equivalents:

A regular eating teaspoon from your drawer holds about 1 to 1.5 measuring teaspoons
A serving tablespoon typically holds 1.5 to 2 measuring tablespoons
Your thumbnail (fingertip to first joint) roughly equals ¼ teaspoon for dry spices

For consistent results, invest in a proper measuring spoon set. They’re inexpensive and make a real difference.

Dry vs Liquid Ingredients

The conversion formula works the same for both, but measuring technique differs. For liquids, fill the spoon to the brim, checking at eye level. For dry ingredients, scoop and level with a straight edge. Don’t pack down unless the recipe specifically says to (like brown sugar).

Converting Recipe Quantities

When halving or doubling recipes, spoon measurements convert easily:

Halving 1 tablespoon: use 1½ teaspoons
Doubling 2 teaspoons: use 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon
Tripling ½ tablespoon: use 1½ tablespoons (or 4½ teaspoons)

FAQs

How many teaspoons are in a tablespoon?

Three teaspoons equal one tablespoon. This ratio applies to both metric and imperial measurements, and holds true whether you’re measuring dry or liquid ingredients.

What’s the difference between UK and US tablespoons?

UK imperial tablespoons (17.76 ml) are 20% larger than US tablespoons (14.79 ml). However, most modern UK recipes use metric measurements where 1 tablespoon = 15 ml, which is much closer to the US standard.

Can I use regular spoons from my cutlery drawer for measuring?

Regular eating spoons aren’t standardised and vary wildly in size. They’re fine for approximate measurements in relaxed cooking, but get proper measuring spoons for baking or any recipe requiring precision.

What’s a dessertspoon and when should I use it?

A dessertspoon is a traditional British measurement equal to 2 teaspoons or 10 ml. It’s halfway between a teaspoon and tablespoon. Whilst less common now, it appears in older British recipes and some modern ones. If you don’t have a dessertspoon, just use 2 teaspoons.

Does it matter if I level off my measuring spoons?

Yes, especially for baking. A heaped spoon can contain nearly double the amount of a level one. Always level dry ingredients with a straight edge (like a knife) unless the recipe specifically calls for a heaped measure.

How do I convert tablespoons to millilitres?

Using metric measurements, 1 tablespoon = 15 ml and 1 teaspoon = 5 ml. For UK imperial, 1 tablespoon = 17.76 ml and 1 teaspoon = 5.92 ml. Most modern British recipes and measuring spoons use the metric standard.

Why do Australian recipes give different measurements?

Australia uses a unique system where 1 tablespoon = 20 ml = 4 teaspoons. This is 33% larger than UK metric tablespoons and 35% larger than US tablespoons. When following Australian recipes, you need to adjust measurements or use Australian measuring spoons.

Can I convert between metric and imperial measurements accurately?

The difference between metric and imperial spoon measurements is small enough that it rarely affects most recipes. The 3:1 ratio between teaspoons and tablespoons remains constant. For very precise work, use a digital scale and measure by weight instead.

How do I measure sticky ingredients like honey or peanut butter in spoons?

Lightly coat the measuring spoon with oil first. The sticky ingredient will slide out cleanly, giving you an accurate measurement. Alternatively, use a kitchen scale and measure by weight for messy ingredients.

What if my recipe uses both metric and imperial measurements?

Stick to one system throughout the recipe. Don’t mix metric and imperial measurements in the same dish, as the ratios between ingredients could end up incorrect. Choose whichever system matches your measuring equipment and convert everything to that standard.