Tablespoons to Cups Converter
Convert between tablespoons and cups instantly for cooking and baking
Volume Converter
1 tablespoon = 0.0625 cups
1 cup = 16 tablespoons
Conversion Formula
Tablespoons to Cups
cups = tablespoons ÷ 16
To convert tablespoons to cups, divide the tablespoon value by 16.
Cups to Tablespoons
tablespoons = cups × 16
To convert cups to tablespoons, multiply the cup value by 16.
Quick Conversion Table
Cooking Tips
1 cup = 16 tablespoons in US measurements
Level off dry ingredients for accurate measurements
Use liquid measuring cups for liquids and dry cups for solids
3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon for smaller measurements
Understanding Tablespoons and Cups
What is a Tablespoon?
A tablespoon (tbsp) is a unit of volume commonly used in cooking and baking. In the United States, one tablespoon equals approximately 14.79 milliliters. It's a standard measurement in recipes for both liquid and dry ingredients. The tablespoon is larger than a teaspoon (which holds ⅓ of a tablespoon) and smaller than a cup.
Measuring Tips
- •Use measuring spoons, not regular eating spoons
- •Level off dry ingredients with a straight edge
- •Fill to the brim for liquids
- •Don't pack ingredients unless recipe specifies
What is a Cup?
A cup is a unit of volume measurement used primarily in cooking. In the United States, one cup equals 236.588 milliliters or 8 fluid ounces. The cup is divided into smaller units: ½ cup (8 tablespoons), ⅓ cup (approximately 5.33 tablespoons), and ¼ cup (4 tablespoons). Understanding these divisions is crucial for accurate cooking and baking.
Important Note: US cups differ from metric cups (250 ml) and imperial cups (284 ml). Always use the measurement system specified in your recipe for best results.
Common Recipe Conversions
🥄 Fraction Conversions
- • ¼ cup = 4 tablespoons
- • ⅓ cup = 5⅓ tablespoons
- • ½ cup = 8 tablespoons
- • ⅔ cup = 10⅔ tablespoons
- • ¾ cup = 12 tablespoons
🍰 Baking Essentials
- • 1 stick butter = 8 tablespoons
- • ½ stick butter = 4 tablespoons
- • 1 cup flour = 16 tablespoons
- • 1 cup sugar = 16 tablespoons
- • 1 cup milk = 16 tablespoons
🍳 Cooking Basics
- • 2 tablespoons = ⅛ cup
- • 6 tablespoons = ⅜ cup
- • 10 tablespoons = ⅝ cup
- • 14 tablespoons = ⅞ cup
- • 16 tablespoons = 1 cup
Comprehensive Conversion Table
| Tablespoons | Cups | Fluid Ounces | Milliliters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tbsp | 0.0625 cups | 0.50 fl oz | 14.79 ml |
| 2 tbsp | 0.1250 cups | 1.00 fl oz | 29.57 ml |
| 3 tbsp | 0.1875 cups | 1.50 fl oz | 44.36 ml |
| 4 tbsp | 0.2500 cups | 2.00 fl oz | 59.15 ml |
| 6 tbsp | 0.3750 cups | 3.00 fl oz | 88.72 ml |
| 8 tbsp | 0.5000 cups | 4.00 fl oz | 118.29 ml |
| 10 tbsp | 0.6250 cups | 5.00 fl oz | 147.87 ml |
| 12 tbsp | 0.7500 cups | 6.00 fl oz | 177.44 ml |
| 14 tbsp | 0.8750 cups | 7.00 fl oz | 207.02 ml |
| 16 tbsp | 1.0000 cups | 8.00 fl oz | 236.59 ml |
| 20 tbsp | 1.2500 cups | 10.00 fl oz | 295.74 ml |
| 24 tbsp | 1.5000 cups | 12.00 fl oz | 354.88 ml |
| 32 tbsp | 2.0000 cups | 16.00 fl oz | 473.18 ml |
Measurement Best Practices
For Dry Ingredients
- 1
Fluff the ingredient
Stir flour, sugar, or other dry ingredients to aerate before measuring
- 2
Spoon into measuring tool
Don't pack or tap down unless recipe specifies (like brown sugar)
- 3
Level off with straight edge
Use a knife or spatula to remove excess
For Liquid Ingredients
- 1
Use liquid measuring cups
These have spouts and measurement lines below the rim
- 2
Place on level surface
Don't hold the cup in your hand while pouring
- 3
Read at eye level
Check the bottom of the meniscus (curve) at the measurement line
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tablespoons are in a cup?
There are exactly 16 tablespoons in one US cup. This is a standard conversion used in American cooking and baking recipes. To remember this easily: ½ cup = 8 tablespoons, ¼ cup = 4 tablespoons, and ¾ cup = 12 tablespoons.
How do I convert tablespoons to cups?
To convert tablespoons to cups, divide the number of tablespoons by 16. For example, 8 tablespoons ÷ 16 = 0.5 cups (or ½ cup). Alternatively, you can multiply tablespoons by 0.0625 to get cups. Our calculator does this automatically for you!
What's the difference between a US cup and a metric cup?
A US cup equals 236.588 milliliters (about 237 ml), while a metric cup is exactly 250 milliliters. Imperial cups (used in some Commonwealth countries) are 284 milliliters. When following recipes, always use the measurement system the recipe specifies. Most American recipes use US cups.
Can I use regular spoons instead of measuring spoons?
No, regular eating spoons vary significantly in size and should not be used for recipe measurements. A standard tablespoon from your silverware drawer may hold anywhere from 10-20 ml, while a measuring tablespoon holds exactly 14.79 ml (in the US). For accurate results, always use proper measuring spoons and cups.
How many teaspoons equal one tablespoon?
There are 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon. This is another essential cooking conversion to remember. So if a recipe calls for 2 tablespoons and you only have teaspoons, you would use 6 teaspoons. Similarly, 1 cup = 48 teaspoons (since 1 cup = 16 tablespoons × 3 teaspoons).
What is ⅓ cup in tablespoons?
⅓ cup equals approximately 5.33 tablespoons (or 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon). This can be tricky to measure precisely, which is why many measuring cup sets include a ⅓ cup measure. If you need exact measurements for baking, it's best to use a ⅓ cup measure rather than trying to approximate with tablespoons.
Do I measure liquids and dry ingredients the same way?
While the volume conversion remains the same (16 tablespoons = 1 cup), the measuring technique differs. For liquids, use liquid measuring cups with a spout and check at eye level. For dry ingredients, use dry measuring cups and level off with a straight edge. This ensures accuracy, especially in baking where precise measurements are crucial.