How Many Teaspoons in a Tablespoon?
There are 3 teaspoons in a US tablespoon. A tablespoon is 14.8 mL and a teaspoon is 4.9 mL, so 1 teaspoon is 1/3 of a tablespoon and 1/2 tablespoon is 1 1/2 teaspoons. The UK tablespoon is also 3 teaspoons (15 mL), but an Australian tablespoon is 20 mL, which is 4 teaspoons.
Fractions like 1/2 work
3teaspoons
1 tbsp · 1/16 cup · 1/2 fl oz · 14.8 mL
US tablespoon. An Australian tablespoon is 20 mL, which is 4 teaspoons.
How to use
- Type the amount. Fractions like 1/2 work.
- Choose whether you're starting from tablespoons or teaspoons.
- Read the answer, plus the same amount in cups, fluid ounces and mL.
The formula and two worked examples
teaspoons = tablespoons × 3 and tablespoons = teaspoons ÷ 3
Halving 1 tablespoon of vanilla. 1 tbsp × 3 = 3 tsp, so half is 1 1/2 teaspoons.
A recipe calls for 5 teaspoons of baking powder. 5 ÷ 3 = 1 2/3 tablespoons, so measure 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons.
Tablespoon sizes around the world
Most countries use a 15 mL tablespoon, which holds 3 teaspoons of 5 mL. The US tablespoon is a hair smaller at 14.8 mL, but still 3 US teaspoons. Australia is the exception: its tablespoon is 20 mL, so it holds 4 teaspoons. If an Australian recipe says 1 tablespoon, use 1 US tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon.
| Tablespoon | mL | Teaspoons (5 mL) |
|---|---|---|
| US tablespoon | 14.8 | 3 |
| UK and metric tablespoon | 15 | 3 |
| Australian tablespoon | 20 | 4 |
What this tool doesn't cover
It converts US tablespoons and teaspoons by volume. Measuring spoons sold in the US match these sizes. For an Australian 20 mL tablespoon, see the table above. For weight, use the grams per spoon table below or the tablespoons to grams converter.
Reference tables
| Teaspoons | Tablespoons | Cups | mL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1/3 | - | 4.9 |
| 1 1/2 | 1/2 | - | 7.4 |
| 2 | 2/3 | - | 9.9 |
| 3 | 1 | 1/16 | 14.8 |
| 4 | 1 1/3 | - | 19.7 |
| 6 | 2 | 1/8 | 29.6 |
| 9 | 3 | - | 44.4 |
| 12 | 4 | 1/4 | 59.1 |
| 24 | 8 | 1/2 | 118.3 |
| 48 | 16 | 1 | 236.6 |
| Ingredient | 1 tsp (g) | 1 tbsp (g) |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2.6 | 7.8 |
| Bread flour | 2.9 | 8.6 |
| Cake flour | 2.9 | 8.6 |
| Whole wheat flour | 2.5 | 7.5 |
| Granulated sugar | 4.2 | 12.5 |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 4.6 | 13.8 |
| Powdered sugar (unsifted) | 2.5 | 7.5 |
| Butter | 4.7 | 14.2 |
| Honey | 7.1 | 21.2 |
| Maple syrup | 6.6 | 19.7 |
| Whole milk | 5.1 | 15.3 |
| Water | 4.9 | 14.8 |
| Vegetable oil | 4.5 | 13.6 |
| Heavy cream | 5.0 | 14.9 |
| Sour cream | 4.8 | 14.4 |
| Plain whole-milk yogurt | 5.1 | 15.3 |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 1.8 | 5.4 |
| Rolled oats | 1.7 | 5.1 |
| Long-grain white rice (uncooked) | 3.9 | 11.6 |
| Cornstarch | 2.7 | 8.0 |
| Peanut butter | 5.4 | 16.1 |
| Semisweet chocolate chips | 3.5 | 10.5 |
| Table salt | 6.1 | 18.3 |
Weights are for level spoons. Heaped spoons can weigh half as much again.
Tips
- No tablespoon? Use 3 level teaspoons.
- 1/2 tablespoon is 1 1/2 teaspoons. Most measuring sets include a 1/2 teaspoon, so that's one teaspoon plus one half teaspoon.
- Level every spoon with a straight edge. A rounded teaspoon of flour can hold close to double.
FAQ
How many teaspoons are in a tablespoon?
How many 1/2 teaspoons are in a tablespoon?
How many teaspoons are in half a tablespoon?
Is 1 tsp the same as 1 tbsp?
How many tablespoons is 4 teaspoons?
How many grams is a teaspoon of sugar?
Sources
- NIST Handbook 44 Appendix C · accessed 2026-10-14
- USDA FoodData Central SR Legacy · accessed 2026-10-14
- King Arthur Baking Ingredient Weight Chart · accessed 2026-10-14
Values are averages for typical US products. Brands vary, so weigh with a kitchen scale when a recipe needs to be exact.