You might be in the middle of a recipe, staring at a spoon and wondering: “Is this a teaspoon or a tablespoon?” or “How many teaspoons are in a tablespoon?”

The teaspoon vs. tablespoon dilemma can make or break your dish.

Whether you’re baking cookies and worried about too much baking powder or seasoning a soup and fearing oversalting, you need answers — fast.

Summary

1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons — a simple conversion that can save your recipe.
Teaspoons (5 ml) are for small, precise measurements — spices, baking powder, or vanilla extract.
Tablespoons (15 ml) handle larger amounts, like oils, sauces, or condiments.
Accuracy matters! Using the right measuring tools ensures your dishes turn out perfectly every time.

And if you realise mid-recipe that you’re missing an ingredient, just hop on Bolt Market. Get fresh herbs, pantry staples, or that one thing you forgot — delivered to your door in minutes.

Tablespoon vs. teaspoon

Tablespoon vs. teaspoon comparison

While teaspoons and tablespoons are essential for cooking and baking, they serve different purposes. Here’s how to tell them apart and use them correctly. 👇

What is a teaspoon?

What is a teaspoon

When you hear the word ‘teaspoon’, you might think of the small spoon you use to stir your tea.

But in cooking and baking, a teaspoon refers to something a bit different — a precise measuring tool.

A measuring teaspoon is a kitchen essential that holds precisely 5 millilitres (ml) of liquid.

You’ll often see teaspoons abbreviated in recipes as tsp, t, or ts. So, if your recipe calls for “1 tsp” of cinnamon or “2 ts” of vanilla extract, you’ll know what to reach for.

Teaspoons are ideal for:

Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika, or chilli powder.
Baking essentials: baking powder, baking soda, or salt.
Sweeteners: sugar for coffee or tea, honey, or maple syrup.
Extracts: vanilla extract, almond extract, or lemon juice.

What is a tablespoon?

What is a tablespoon

The tablespoon is the largest measuring spoon in a typical set. A standard tablespoon holds about 15 millilitres (ml) of liquid, 3 times more than a teaspoon.

In recipes, tablespoons are abbreviated as tb, tbs, tbsp, or T.

They’re perfect for measuring larger quantities of both liquids and dry ingredients. You’ll often use a tablespoon for things like:

Oils and fats: olive oil, vegetable oil, or melted butter.
Condiments: ketchup, mayonnaise, or salad dressing.
Liquids: soy sauce, vinegar, or milk.
Dry ingredients: breadcrumbs, grated cheese, or oats.

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How to tell a teaspoon from a tablespoon

Telling a teaspoon from a tablespoon can be tricky, especially if you’re new to cooking or baking. Here’s how to figure it out:

If you have both spoons and aren’t sure which is which, it’s simple: the teaspoon (tsp) is smaller, while the tablespoon (tbsp) is the largest spoon in the set.

But what if you only have one spoon? A teaspoon holds about the same volume of liquid as a standard soft drink bottle cap (approximately 5 ml).

So, if your spoon holds just one bottle cap’s worth of water, it’s likely a teaspoon. If it holds 3 times that amount (about 15 ml), it’s a tablespoon.

Tablespoon-to-teaspoon conversion

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for your next cooking adventure. Save this picture (or bookmark this page), so you never have to pause mid-recipe to Google “How many teaspoons are in a tablespoon?” again.

Tablespoon-to-teaspoon conversion chart

Need to convert fast? Use our calculator below to switch between teaspoons, tablespoons, cups, and millilitres in seconds. Pick a unit, enter a number, and instantly get the exact conversion! 👇

Measuring spoons vs. regular spoons

There’s one common mistake that may happen to all of us. You hear “teaspoon” and head to your cutlery drawer to grab a spoon, right?

While the names might be the same, a measuring teaspoon (or tablespoon) differs from your cutlery set.

When a teaspoon is mentioned in cooking, it refers to a standard measuring teaspoon (5ml) — not the spoon you use to stir your tea.

Cutlery spoons can vary widely in size depending on the manufacturer, and this difference can make or break your recipe — especially in baking, where precision is key.

For example, a regular dining spoon might hold 10 ml to 20 ml, while a standard measuring tablespoon consistently holds 15 ml. That’s why it’s always best to use proper measuring spoons for consistent results.

How to measure without measuring spoons

If you don’t have measuring spoons, don’t panic. There are a few handy tricks to help you measure ingredients accurately — or at least close enough to save your dish.

Use a measuring cup

If you have a measuring cup on hand, you can measure both liquids and dry ingredients. Here’s a quick conversion guide:

1 teaspoon (tsp) = 5 millilitres (ml) = 1/3 of a tablespoon (tbsp)
1 tablespoon (tbsp) = 15 millilitres (ml) = 3 teaspoons (tsp)

For example:

Need 1 tablespoon of oil? Measure out 15 ml using your measuring cup.
Need 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract? Measure 5 ml instead.

Use a kitchen scale

A kitchen scale is a lifesaver for precise measurements, especially for baking. It’s even more reliable than spoons or cups as it eliminates volume-related inconsistencies.

Here’s a table showing common conversions for popular ingredients:

Ingredient	1 teaspoon (grams)	1 tablespoon (grams)	1 cup (grams)
All-purpose flour	3 g	9 g	120 g
Sugar (granulated)	4 g	12 g	200 g
Brown sugar	4 g	12 g	220 g (packed)
Butter	5 g	15 g	227 g (2 sticks)
Honey	7 g	21 g	340 g
Salt (table)	6 g	18 g	288 g
Baking powder	4 g	12 g	192 g
Cocoa powder	2 g	6 g	118 g
Milk (whole)	5 g	15 g	240 g
Olive oil	4.5 g	13.5 g	216 g

Estimating with everyday objects

If you’re in a pinch, you can estimate measurements using everyday objects. Just keep in mind that these methods aren’t precise, so your results may vary:

1 teaspoon (tsp) ≈ the tip of your thumb (from the knuckle to the tip).
1 tablespoon (tbsp) ≈ the size of an ice cube or a standard bottle cap.
Silverware spoons: while not ideal, a regular teaspoon from your silverware set is roughly 5ml, and a tablespoon is about 15ml.

Warning: estimating with everyday objects or silverware can lead to inconsistent results, especially in baking. For best results, it’s always better to use proper measuring tools.

Let’s get back to cooking

Now that you know the difference between tablespoons and teaspoons, cooking just got easier!

And what’s more, you can make your kitchen experience even more comfortable with Bolt Market.

Our online grocery store offers regular discounts on cooking essentials — herbs, spices, fresh produce, pantry staples, canned goods, and more. Explore Bolt Market for the latest deals.

Frequently asked questions

How many teaspoons are in a tablespoon?

1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons.

How many tablespoons are in 1/4 cup?

1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons. If a recipe calls for 1/4 cup but you only have a tablespoon, just use 4.

How many tablespoons are in 1/3 cup?

1/3 cup = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon. Using only tablespoons won’t give you an exact measurement, but adding the teaspoon will.

What is the symbol for a tablespoon?

In recipes, tablespoons are often abbreviated as tbsp, T, tbs, or tb.

Which is bigger: tsp or tbsp?

A tablespoon (tbsp) is larger than a teaspoon (tsp) and holds three times as much.

What is the size of a teaspoon?

A standard measuring teaspoon holds 5 millilitres (ml) of liquid or dry ingredients.

What size is a tablespoon?

A standard tablespoon holds 15 millilitres (ml) — perfect for measuring larger amounts like oils, sauces, or condiments.

Teaspoon vs. Tablespoon

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