What Is Teaspoon vs. Tablespoon (Measurement Guide)

A teaspoon (tsp) is smaller than a tablespoon (tbsp): in US measures, 1 tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons. A US teaspoon holds 4.9289 mL, and a US tablespoon holds 14.7868 mL. Metric spoons are commonly 5 mL and 15 mL. Australian tablespoons are usually 20 mL, so check the recipe’s measurement system before measuring.

What if a recipe calls for one tablespoon of baking powder, but you reach for a teaspoon? The amount will be short by two-thirds. That can change a recipe, especially when the ingredient matters to how the food rises or tastes.

The fix is simple once you know the sizes, the regional differences, and how to measure level amounts. I use one basic rule throughout this guide: identify the recipe’s system first, then use a proper measuring spoon marked for that system. A dining spoon may look familiar, but it is not a reliable measuring tool.

Choose the Right Measuring Spoon and Measurement System

A teaspoon and a tablespoon are units of volume, not weight. Their sizes depend on the measurement system used by the recipe. Start by checking whether it uses US customary or metric measures, and look for any note about Australian measures or level versus heaped spoons.

In US customary measures, 1 tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons. One US cup equals 16 tablespoons, or 48 teaspoons. The exact US volumes are 4.9289 mL per teaspoon and 14.7868 mL per tablespoon. In everyday use, these are often rounded to 5 mL and 15 mL.

Check whether the recipe is US, metric, or Australian

A recipe’s unit labels may not tell the whole story. A metric teaspoon is commonly 5 mL, and a metric tablespoon is commonly 15 mL. These rounded measures are close to the US values, but an Australian tablespoon is commonly 20 mL, or 4 Australian teaspoons.

That difference can matter. If you use a 15 mL tablespoon where a recipe expects a 20 mL Australian tablespoon, you add 25 percent less than the recipe calls for. Going the other way, using 20 mL instead of 15 mL adds one-third more. Check the recipe’s country or stated convention when the source is unclear.

Use measuring spoons, not dining spoons

A measuring spoon is made to hold a stated volume. A dining teaspoon or tablespoon is designed for eating and serving, so its bowl size can vary. It may look close, but that does not make it accurate enough for a recipe.

Choose a spoon set clearly marked in tsp, tbsp, or mL. If a recipe gives a level measure, fill the spoon and remove the excess with a straight edge. A heaped spoon is not a fixed amount, so use one only when the recipe specifically asks for it.

Convert and Measure Ingredients Accurately

To convert between US teaspoons and tablespoons, use the 3-to-1 relationship: divide teaspoons by 3 to get tablespoons, or multiply tablespoons by 3 to get teaspoons. Then measure the ingredient as the recipe directs. For consistent results, use level spoons unless the recipe says otherwise.

Convert teaspoons to tablespoons and back

These conversions use US customary measures and the common metric spoon ratio. The same 3-to-1 relationship applies to metric teaspoons and tablespoons of 5 mL and 15 mL. Do not use it to convert an Australian tablespoon, which equals 4 Australian teaspoons.

For example, if a recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of an ingredient and you only have a teaspoon measure, use 6 level teaspoons. If it calls for 1½ teaspoons, use ½ tablespoon. Keep the recipe’s original system in mind; the table does not change an Australian tablespoon into a US one.

Follow a repeatable measuring sequence

Use this process whenever a recipe calls for a spoon measure:

• Confirm the measurement system and whether the recipe calls for a level or heaped spoon.
• Select a dedicated measuring spoon marked for the stated unit.
• For dry ingredients, fill the spoon and sweep the top with a straight edge if the recipe says “level.”
• For liquids, pour to the marked capacity. If the spoon has a fill line, place it at eye level to check the amount.
• Clean and dry the spoon before using it for another ingredient, especially when one ingredient is wet or sticky.

A level spoon gives a more repeatable amount than a mound. Do not pack an ingredient unless the recipe tells you to. Brown sugar is a common example where a recipe may specifically call for a packed measure; follow those words rather than applying the level-spoon method automatically.

Remember that volume is not weight

A spoon measures volume: the space an ingredient takes up. A gram measures weight. The number of grams in one tablespoon can change with the ingredient, how finely it is ground, how tightly it is packed, and whether it is level or heaped.

For that reason, do not assume that one tablespoon always equals a set number of grams. If a recipe gives a weight, use a kitchen scale and measure that weight. A scale is also a sensible choice when precision matters or when you need to repeat the same result reliably.

Worked examples for common recipe questions

These examples show how the conversion works without changing the recipe’s measurement system:

• A US recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of oil. Measure one level US tablespoon, or three level US teaspoons.
• A recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt. Measure two level teaspoons, or two-thirds of a tablespoon if your set has a suitable mark.
• A metric recipe calls for 15 mL. Use a 15 mL tablespoon or three 5 mL teaspoons.
• An Australian recipe calls for 1 tablespoon. Use a 20 mL Australian tablespoon, or four Australian teaspoons, not a 15 mL US tablespoon.

For an ingredient where the recipe’s exact amount matters, use the stated unit and a matching spoon. Avoid estimating a fraction of a spoon by eye if a smaller spoon measure or scale can give a clearer result.

Clean, Dry, and Store Measuring Spoons

Clean spoons help keep one ingredient from changing the next measure. Dry spoons also prevent moisture from making dry ingredients cling or clump. Wash measuring spoons between ingredients when needed, dry them fully, and keep them together so the right size is easy to find.

If you measure a sticky liquid, residue can remain on the spoon and affect the next ingredient. Wash or wipe the spoon before switching to a dry ingredient. If you are measuring several ingredients in sequence, read each amount before scooping, then return the clean spoon to the set.

Store spoons so their markings remain readable. If the labels wear off or a spoon’s capacity is unclear, do not rely on its size by appearance. Use another marked spoon or a suitable measuring tool.

Portion and Present Food Consistently

For recipe portions, a level measuring spoon gives a repeatable volume. It can help keep small amounts of toppings, seasonings, or sauces more consistent from one serving to the next. The spoon still measures volume, however, so it does not guarantee the same weight for different ingredients.

When portioning, use the same spoon and the same method each time. A level measure and a heaped measure can differ substantially, and a dining spoon can vary from one place setting to another. For a portion that must meet a stated weight, use a scale rather than relying on a spoon.

A practical consistency check

If a recipe tastes too strong or too mild, check the measurement before changing the ingredient amount. Confirm that you used tsp rather than tbsp, check whether the recipe calls for level or packed measures, and verify that the tablespoon size matches the recipe’s region.

For example, a 20 mL Australian tablespoon holds one-third more than a 15 mL metric tablespoon. That gap is large enough to affect seasoning or baking ratios. Correcting the measurement system is a better first step than making an unsupported adjustment to the recipe.

Key Takeaways

A tablespoon is three teaspoons in US and common metric measures, but an Australian tablespoon is four Australian teaspoons. Use marked measuring spoons, follow level or packed instructions, and check the recipe’s region. Treat spoon volume and ingredient weight as different measurements; use a scale when the recipe specifies grams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a tablespoon bigger than a teaspoon?

Yes. In US customary and common metric measures, 1 tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons. An Australian tablespoon is larger and equals 4 Australian teaspoons.

How many teaspoons are in one tablespoon?

There are 3 teaspoons in a US tablespoon and in a common 15 mL metric tablespoon. An Australian 20 mL tablespoon equals 4 Australian teaspoons.

How many tablespoons are in a teaspoon?

One teaspoon equals one-third of a US or common metric tablespoon. For routine measuring, it is simpler to use a teaspoon measure than estimate one-third of a tablespoon.

Is a metric tablespoon the same as a US tablespoon?

They are close, but not exactly the same. A metric tablespoon is commonly 15 mL; a US tablespoon is 14.7868 mL. An Australian tablespoon is commonly 20 mL, so check the recipe’s convention.

Can I use a dining spoon to measure a recipe?

It is not recommended. Dining spoons can vary in bowl size and are not made to hold a standard recipe measure. Use a marked measuring spoon for more reliable results.

What does “level tablespoon” mean?

A level tablespoon is filled to the top of its bowl without a mound. For dry ingredients, remove the extra with a straight edge. Do not pack the ingredient unless the recipe says to.

Does one tablespoon always weigh the same in grams?

No. A tablespoon measures volume, while grams measure weight. The weight varies by ingredient and by how it is packed or leveled. Use a scale when a recipe gives a weight.

How many teaspoons are in a US cup?

One US cup equals 48 teaspoons, or 16 tablespoons. This conversion is for US customary cups and spoons.

Should I use a scale or measuring spoon?

Use the tool that matches the recipe. If it specifies teaspoons or tablespoons, use measuring spoons. If it specifies grams, use a scale. A scale is also useful when you need precise, repeatable weight.

(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Julian R. Hayes. Visit our Meet the Team page.)