Measuring ingredients is an important part of any recipe. Knowing how to properly convert measurements can be confusing, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the metric system.
A common question in the cooking world has to do with tablespoons and cups: How many tablespoons are in a cup? Confusing as it may seem, the answer is actually not complicated at all – there are 16 tablespoons in a cup.
However, are there 16 tablespoons in all different types of cups? Keep reading to find out and know more about the conversion between tablespoons and cups.
Related:
Cup
Now, let’s look at a cup and the types of cups available. A cup is a unit of volume that is bigger than a tablespoon. It is used to measure both liquids and dry ingredients.
The most common cup sizes are:
- The US customary cup is equivalent to 8 fluid ounces or 236.6mL
- The US legal cup is equivalent to 8.115 fluid ounces or 240 mL.
- The metric cup is equivalent to 250 mL.
- The imperial cup is equivalent to 10 imperial fluid ounces or 284.13mL
Tablespoon
Now, let’s look at what a tablespoon is and how it relates to a cup. A tablespoon (tbsp) is a unit of volume that is smaller than a cup and is used to measure both liquids, such as oil or milk, and dry ingredients like sugar or flour.
Like tablespoons, there are different types of tablespoons, including the standard tablespoon, the metric tablespoon, and the Australian tablespoon.
The standard tablespoon is used in the US customary system (USCS) and the US Legal system. It measures approximately 14.8 ml (0.5 US fl oz).
The metric tablespoon (also known as the International tablespoon) is used in the metric system (often in UK recipes). It measures 15 ml (0.51 US fl oz).
Finally, the Australian tablespoon which is a bit more than both of the other tablespoons is used in Australia and New Zealand. It measures 20 ml (0.68 US fl oz).
| The standard tablespoon | 14.8 ml |
| The metric tablespoon | 15 ml |
| the Australian tablespoon | 20 ml |
How Many Tablespoons in a Cup?
Now that you know about cups and tablespoons, let’s get to the answer to the original question: How many tablespoons are in a cup?
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) guidelines state that there are 16 tablespoons in a cup. This applies to the standard US cup (the US Customary System) and the metric measuring system.
However, when using US legal cup and imperial cup, the conversion rate is slightly different.
How Many Tablespoons in a USCS Cup?
As mentioned above, a US customary cup is equivalent to 8 fluid ounces or 236.6 mL while a standard US tablespoon equals 14.8 ml (0.5 US fl oz).
Using this information, we can calculate that there are 16 tablespoons in a US customary cup.
How Many Tablespoons in a US Legal Cup?
The US Legal cup is equivalent to 8.115 fluid ounces or 240 mL while the standard US tablespoon equals 14.8 ml (0.5 US fl oz).
Using this information, we can calculate that there are 16.23 tablespoons in a US legal cup.
How Many Tablespoons in a Metric Cup?
A metric cup is equal to 250 mL while a metric tablespoon equals 15 ml (0.51 US fl oz).
Using this information, we can calculate that there are 16 tablespoons in a metric cup.
How Many Tablespoons in an Imperial Cup?
Finally, an imperial cup is equivalent to 10 imperial fluid ounces or 284.13mL and a standard US tablespoon equals 14.8 ml (0.5 US fl oz).
Using this information, we can calculate that there are 19,2 tablespoons in an imperial cup.
How to Convert Between Cups and Tablespoons?
Now that you have a better understanding of cups and tablespoons, let’s look at how to convert between them. To do this, you will need to know the size of your cup and the type of tablespoon you are using.
In general, to convert from tablespoons to cups, just divide the number of tablespoons by 16. For instance, if you have 32 tablespoons, then dividing 32 by 16 will give you 2 cups.
However, this formulation does not work if you are using a US Legal or an Imperial cup, as these cups require a slightly different conversion. In US Legal system, you need to divide the number of tablespoons by 16.23 and in Imperial cups, you need to divide the number of tablespoons by 19.2.
On the other hand, to convert from cups to tablespoons, just multiply the number of cups by 16 (or 16.23 for US Legal cups, and 19.2 for Imperial cups). For instance, if you have 2 cups then multiply 2 by 16, which will give you 32 tablespoons.
Note: Remember that the conversion rate will depend on what type of tablespoon you are using (standard, metric, or Australian). In addition, double-check the measurements of your cup to make sure you are using the correct conversion rate.
Chart for Conversion of Cups to Tablespoons
Finally, here is a chart to help you quickly convert between cups and tablespoons:
For the USCS system and Metric System:
1/16 cup = 1 tablespoon
1/8 cup = 2 tablespoons
1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons
1/3 cup = 5 1/3 tablespoons = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon
1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons
2/3 cup = 10 2/3 tablespoons = 10 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons
3/4 cup = 12 tablespoons
1 cup = 16 tablespoons
For the US Legal System:
1/16 cup = 1 tablespoon
1/8 cup = 2.03 tablespoons
1/4 cup = 4.06 tablespoons
1/3 cup = 5.41 tablespoons
1/2 cup = 8.12 tablespoons
2/3 cup = 10.8 tablespoons
3/4 cup = 12.17 tablespoons
1 cup = 16.23 tablespoons
For the Imperial System:
1/16 cup = 1.2 tablespoons
1/8 cup = 2.4 tablespoons
1/4 cup = 4.8 tablespoons
1/3 cup = 6.4 tablespoons
1/2 cup = 9.6 tablespoons
2/3 cup = 12.8 tablespoons
3/4 cup = 14.4 tablespoons
1 cup = 19.2 tablespoons
FAQs
Do 8 Tablespoons Equal 1 Cup?
No, 8 tablespoons do not equal 1 cup.
How Many Tablespoons Make 1 Cup?
There are 16 tablespoons in 1 cup.
What are 6 Tablespoons Equal to in Cups?
6 tablespoons are equal to 0.375 cups.
Are 3 Tablespoons Equal to 1/4 cup?
No, 3 tablespoons are not equal to 1/4 cup. 3 tablespoons is equal to 0.1875 cups, a little less than 1/4 cup.
Are 4 Tablespoons Equal to 1/4 Cup?
Yes, 4 tablespoons are equal to 1/4 cup.
Bottom Line
As you can see, the number of tablespoons in a cup varies depending on what type of tablespoon and cup you are using. Keep in mind that there are 16 tablespoons in 1 cup for the USCS and Metric systems, 16.23 tablespoons in 1 cup for the US Legal System, and 19.2 tablespoons in 1 cup for the Imperial system. Once you know the type and size of the cup you are using, then you can easily convert between cups and tablespoons.
With this information, you should have no problem knowing precisely how many tablespoons are in a cup. Just remember to double-check your measurements before attempting any calculations.
