Convert Volume from Tablespoons to Cups (Tbs to cup)

Tablespoon to Cup Conversion Formula

Example

Let's convert 5 Tablespoon (Tbs) to Cup (cup).

Using the formula:

Therefore, 5 Tablespoon (Tbs) is equal to 0.3125 Cup (cup).

How many tablespoons are in one cup? One Cup (cup) contains 16 Tablespoons (Tbs) — the inverse of the factor above. Multiplying by 0.0625 takes you from tablespoons to cups; multiplying by 16 brings you back.

Put in words: one tablespoon equals 0.0625 cups, so the tablespoon is the smaller unit of this pair. Converting between them never changes the amount of volume being measured — only the size of the unit you count it in.

What is a Tablespoon (Tbs)?

A tablespoon (often abbreviated as Tbs or tbsp) is a common unit of volume used in cooking and baking.

In the US customary system, one tablespoon is equal to 0.5 fluid ounces (fl oz).

How Many Teaspoons in a Tablespoon?

The most essential kitchen conversion to remember is that one tablespoon is equal to exactly three teaspoons.

This simple formula (1 tbsp = 3 tsp) is crucial for getting your recipes right, especially when you don't have a complete set of measuring spoons.

How Many Milliliters (ml) in a Tablespoon?

When following recipes from around the world or using a kitchen scale, you'll need the metric conversion.

A standard United States tablespoon is equal to approximately 15 milliliters (ml).

While the precise measurement is 14.787 ml, it is universally rounded to 15 ml for culinary convenience.

Are All Tablespoons the Same Size? (US vs. UK vs. Australian)

It's important to know that a tablespoon's volume can vary by country, which can affect your recipe. Always check where your recipe comes from!

Here's a quick comparison:

• United States (US): 1 tablespoon = ~15 ml
• Australia (AU): 1 tablespoon = 20 ml
• United Kingdom (UK): 1 tablespoon = 15 ml (modern standard)

What Is a Cup?

A cup is a unit of volume measurement equal to 8 fluid ounces (fl oz).

It's one of the most common measurements used in recipes for cooking and baking, especially in the United States.

What's the Difference Between a US Cup and a Metric Cup?

While they share the same name, not all cups are created equal.

A US customary cup is defined as 8 US fluid ounces (approximately 237 milliliters).

However, the metric cup used in countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand is standardized to 250 milliliters.

This slight difference is crucial to remember when following international recipes to ensure the correct ingredient proportions.

US Customary Cup:

• Volume: Approximately 237 mL
• Common In: The United States

Metric Cup:

• Volume: 250 mL
• Common In: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and many other countries.

Where Did the "Cup" Measurement Come From?

The name of the measurement isn't a coincidence. Before standardized units became common, recipes relied on informal measurements using everyday kitchenware.

The "cup" literally referred to the volume of a standard teacup. Over time, this was standardized into the precise unit we use today.

Why Are Dry and Liquid Measuring Cups Different?

Although the unit of volume (8 fl oz) remains the same, the tools used to measure dry and liquid ingredients differ for a reason.

Using the wrong type can lead to inaccurate measurements.

• Liquid measuring cups are typically made of glass or plastic. They feature a spout for easy pouring and have measurement lines etched below the rim to prevent spills while measuring.
• Dry measuring cups are designed to be filled to the very top and leveled off with a straight edge for an accurate measurement of ingredients like flour or sugar.

Tablespoon to Cup Conversion Table

Here are some quick reference conversions from Tablespoon (Tbs) to Cup (cup):