Cups to Tablespoons Converter
1 cup = 16 tablespoons — convert any amount instantly
How Many Tablespoons Are in a Cup?
There are 16 tablespoons in 1 cup. This is the standard US measurement used in all American recipes and cookbooks.
To convert any amount: multiply cups by 16 to get tablespoons. To go back, divide tablespoons by 16.
Cups to Tablespoons Conversion Chart
Click any row to instantly fill the calculator above.
| Cups | Tablespoons | Teaspoons | Milliliters |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⅛ cup | 2 tbsp | 6 tsp | 29.6 ml |
| ¼ cup | 4 tbsp | 12 tsp | 59.1 ml |
| ⅓ cup | 5 tbsp + 1 tsp | 16 tsp | 78.9 ml |
| ½ cup | 8 tbsp | 24 tsp | 118.3 ml |
| ⅔ cup | 10 tbsp + 2 tsp | 32 tsp | 157.7 ml |
| ¾ cup | 12 tbsp | 36 tsp | 177.4 ml |
| 1 cup | 16 tbsp | 48 tsp | 236.6 ml |
| 1 ¼ cups | 20 tbsp | 60 tsp | 295.7 ml |
| 1 ½ cups | 24 tbsp | 72 tsp | 354.9 ml |
| 2 cups | 32 tbsp | 96 tsp | 473.2 ml |
| 3 cups | 48 tbsp | 144 tsp | 709.8 ml |
| 4 cups | 64 tbsp | 192 tsp | 946.4 ml |
How to Convert Cups to Tablespoons for Baking & Cooking
In baking and cooking recipes, cups are the most common US measurement — but sometimes you only have a tablespoon measure handy. Since there are exactly 16 tablespoons in 1 cup, just multiply cups by 16.
Baking tip: 1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp = 8 fl oz = 236.6 ml. This chain covers every common cooking measurement — memorize it once and you'll never need to look it up again.
Common cooking fractions at a glance
- ¼ cup of butter = 4 tablespoons
- ⅓ cup of sugar = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon
- ½ cup of flour = 8 tablespoons
- ⅔ cup of oil = 10 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons
- ¾ cup of milk = 12 tablespoons
- 1 cup of honey = 16 tablespoons
Cups to Teaspoons Conversion
Since 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons, multiply cups by 48 to get teaspoons directly. Common baking fractions:
| Cups | Teaspoons | Tablespoons |
|---|---|---|
| ¼ cup | 12 tsp | 4 tbsp |
| ⅓ cup | 16 tsp | 5 tbsp + 1 tsp |
| ½ cup | 24 tsp | 8 tbsp |
| ⅔ cup | 32 tsp | 10 tbsp + 2 tsp |
| ¾ cup | 36 tsp | 12 tbsp |
| 1 cup | 48 tsp | 16 tbsp |
| 2 cups | 96 tsp | 32 tbsp |
Quick rule: 1 cup = 48 teaspoons. 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons. So if a recipe calls for ¼ cup and you only have a teaspoon measure, use 12 teaspoons.
US vs Metric Tablespoon
The US tablespoon = 14.787 ml. The metric tablespoon (used in Australia, UK, Canada) = 15 ml. The difference is small (~1.4%) — for most recipes it doesn't matter, but for precise baking use the correct standard.
| Standard | 1 Tablespoon | 1 Cup (16 tbsp) |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 US | 14.787 ml | 236.6 ml |
| 🌍 Metric (AU/UK) | 15 ml | 240 ml |
| 🇬🇧 UK (imperial) | 17.758 ml | 284.1 ml |
Common Measurement Mistakes in Cooking
- Confusing tablespoons and teaspoons — 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons. This is the most common kitchen error.
- Using metric vs US cups — a US cup is 236.6 ml; an Australian/UK cup is 250 ml. For international recipes, always check.
- Scooping instead of spooning dry ingredients — scooping compacts flour, adding up to 20% extra. Use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
- Not leveling measurements — a heaping tablespoon can be 20–30% more than a level one. Level off dry ingredients with a straight edge.
Why Accurate Cup to Tablespoon Conversions Matter
- Baking precision — baking is chemistry. A wrong measurement of baking soda or salt can ruin an entire batch.
- Recipe scaling — doubling or halving a recipe requires exact conversions to maintain the right ratios.
- Limited measuring tools — when you only have one measuring cup size, tablespoon conversions let you measure any amount.
- International recipes — many recipes list amounts in cups or tablespoons; knowing both makes any recipe accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tablespoons are in a cup?
There are 16 tablespoons in 1 US cup. Full breakdown: 1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp = 8 fl oz = 236.6 ml.
How many tablespoons in 1/4 cup?
4 tablespoons = ¼ cup. Quick check: 16 ÷ 4 = 4.
How many tablespoons in 1/3 cup?
5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon = ⅓ cup (5.333 tbsp exactly). Since you can't measure a third of a tablespoon cleanly, recipes use "5 tbsp + 1 tsp."
How many tablespoons in 1/2 cup?
8 tablespoons = ½ cup. Half of 16 = 8. Easy to remember.
How many tablespoons in 2/3 cup?
10 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons = ⅔ cup (10.667 tbsp exactly). Common in baking recipes for butter or sugar.
How many tablespoons in 3/4 cup?
12 tablespoons = ¾ cup. Three-quarters of 16 = 12 exactly.
How do I convert tablespoons back to cups?
Divide by 16. Example: 24 tablespoons ÷ 16 = 1.5 cups (1½ cups). Use the "Tbsp → Cups" mode in the calculator above.
How many tablespoons is half a cup of butter?
Half a cup of butter = 8 tablespoons = 1 standard stick of butter (in the US). Butter sticks are marked with tablespoon lines on the wrapper for easy measuring.
How many teaspoons are in a tablespoon?
There are 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon. So 1 cup = 16 tablespoons = 48 teaspoons. If a recipe says 1 tablespoon and you only have a teaspoon, use 3 teaspoons.
Is a tablespoon the same in US and metric recipes?
Not exactly. A US tablespoon = 14.787 ml, while a metric tablespoon (Australia, UK, Canada) = 15 ml. The difference is tiny (~1.4%) and won't affect most recipes, but matters for precise baking.