How Many Teaspoons in a Tablespoon?

Tablespoons and teaspoons are volume units used to measure small amounts of ingredients, such as flour, oil, and vanilla extract, that are too small for cups or scales. They are vital in cooking and baking in both metric and imperial systems.

 

How many teaspoons are in a tablespoon?

Remembering this kitchen fact will save time when using a limited set of measuring spoons or adjusting your favorite recipes.

1 tablespoon is equal to 3 teaspoons

For example, if your recipe needs 1 tablespoon of yeast but you can’t find your measuring spoon, you can measure out 3 teaspoons instead. This method also works for figuring out how many teaspoons are in 2 tablespoons — just double the amount.

For all other conversions, refer to this list of cooking measurement equivalents:

  • 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons
  • ½ tablespoon = 1½ teaspoons
  • 3 tablespoons = 9 teaspoons
  • ¼ cup = 4 tablespoons
  • 1 teaspoon = 1/3 tablespoon
  • 1 teaspoon = 5 milliliters (mL)
  • 1 tablespoon = 1/2 ounce OR 15 mL
  • 4 tablespoons = 1/4 cup
  • 2 sticks of butter = 16 tablespoons OR 1 cup

Teaspoon to Tablespoon Conversion Chart

Quick US measurement conversions for cooking & baking

Teaspoons → Tablespoons

TeaspoonsTablespoons
3 teaspoons1 tablespoon
6 teaspoons2 tablespoons
9 teaspoons3 tablespoons
12 teaspoons4 tablespoons
15 teaspoons5 tablespoons
18 teaspoons6 tablespoons
30 teaspoons10 tablespoons


Related: Teaspoon to milliliters.