Teaspoons to Tablespoons Converter
Convert US teaspoons (tsp) to US tablespoons (tbsp)
Teaspoon (US)
Definition: The US teaspoon (symbol: tsp or t) is a unit of volume used primarily in cooking and baking. One US teaspoon equals exactly 4.92892 milliliters, or ⅙ fluid ounce. There are 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon, and 48 teaspoons in 1 cup.
History/origin: The teaspoon as a measurement evolved from the actual spoon used for stirring tea. It was standardized in the United States as exactly ⅙ fluid ounce (4.92892 mL) to create consistency in recipes. The teaspoon is one of the most commonly used measurements in American cooking, particularly for small quantities of ingredients like spices, extracts, baking powder, and salt.
Current use: The US teaspoon is ubiquitous in American cooking and baking recipes. It's the standard measurement for small quantities of both liquid and dry ingredients like vanilla extract, salt, pepper, spices, baking powder, and baking soda. The teaspoon is also commonly used in medicine for dosing liquid medications. Converting teaspoons to tablespoons is essential for recipe scaling and when you need larger measurements.
Tablespoon (US)
Definition: The US tablespoon (symbol: tbsp or T) is a unit of volume used primarily in cooking and baking. One US tablespoon equals exactly 14.7868 milliliters, or ½ fluid ounce. There are 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon, and 16 tablespoons in 1 cup.
History/origin: The tablespoon as a measurement evolved from the actual spoon used at dining tables. It was standardized in the United States as exactly ½ fluid ounce (14.7868 mL) to create consistency in recipes. The simple 3:1 relationship between teaspoons and tablespoons makes conversions straightforward and has remained constant in American cooking.
Current use: The US tablespoon is ubiquitous in American cooking and baking recipes. It's used for measuring both liquid and dry ingredients like oil, butter, sugar, spices, and flour. The tablespoon is particularly useful for medium-sized portions that are too large for teaspoons but too small for cups. Converting teaspoons to tablespoons is one of the most common conversions in everyday cooking.
Teaspoons to Tablespoons Conversion Table
| Teaspoons [tsp] | Tablespoons [tbsp] |
|---|---|
| 1 tsp | 0.333 tbsp |
| 1.5 tsp | 0.5 tbsp |
| 3 tsp | 1 tbsp |
| 4.5 tsp | 1.5 tbsp |
| 6 tsp | 2 tbsp |
| 9 tsp | 3 tbsp |
| 12 tsp | 4 tbsp |
| 15 tsp | 5 tbsp |
| 24 tsp | 8 tbsp |
| 48 tsp | 16 tbsp |
How to Convert Teaspoons to Tablespoons
Formula:
1 tsp = 0.333... tbsp (⅓ tbsp)
3 tsp = 1 tbsp (exact)
tbsp = tsp ÷ 3
Quick Mental Math:
Divide tsp by 3 to get tablespoons
This is one of the easiest conversions - just divide by 3!
Common Conversions:
1 tsp = ⅓ tbsp
1.5 tsp = ½ tbsp
3 tsp = 1 tbsp
4.5 tsp = 1.5 tbsp
6 tsp = 2 tbsp (1 fl oz)
12 tsp = 4 tbsp (¼ cup)
Useful Relationships:
1 teaspoon = ⅓ tbsp = ⅙ fl oz = 4.929 mL
1 tablespoon = 3 tsp = ½ fl oz = 14.787 mL
1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp = 8 fl oz
¼ cup = 4 tbsp = 12 tsp
Examples:
Convert 3 teaspoons to tablespoons:
3 tsp ÷ 3 = 1 tbsp
This is exactly 1 tablespoon (very common measurement)
Convert 6 teaspoons to tablespoons:
6 tsp ÷ 3 = 2 tbsp
This is exactly 2 tablespoons (1 fluid ounce)
Convert 1.5 teaspoons to tablespoons:
1.5 tsp ÷ 3 = 0.5 tbsp
This is ½ tablespoon
Convert 12 teaspoons to tablespoons:
12 tsp ÷ 3 = 4 tbsp
This is 4 tablespoons (¼ cup)
Convert 9 teaspoons to tablespoons:
9 tsp ÷ 3 = 3 tbsp
This is 3 tablespoons