Tablespoons to Teaspoons Converter - Convert tbsp to tsp Instantly
Convert US tablespoons (tbsp) to teaspoons (tsp) quickly and accurately with this easy-to-use volume converter. Ideal for cooking, baking, beverages, dosing, and lab prep when small liquid measurements must be precise.
Note: This tool converts US tablespoons (tbsp) to US teaspoons (tsp) using the exact relation 1 tbsp = 3 tsp. For metric tablespoons (15 mL) or Australian tablespoons (20 mL), use the dedicated converters.
About Tablespoons to Teaspoons Conversion
Tablespoons (tbsp) and teaspoons (tsp) are volume measures used across kitchens, nutrition guidance, beverage formulation, and small-volume lab work. In the US customary system, the relationship is exact: 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons. That means you can convert tbsp to tsp by simply multiplying by 3—fast, auditable, and free of rounding drift.
Regions use different tablespoon sizes, so always confirm the standard. A US tablespoon is 14.78676478125 mL (3 × 4.92892159375 mL US teaspoons). A metric tablespoon is 15 mL (3 × 5 mL metric teaspoons). An Australian tablespoon is 20 mL (4 × 5 mL metric teaspoons). This page targets the US relationship specifically.
Tablespoons to Teaspoons Formula
Use the direct ratio:
tsp (US) = tbsp (US) × 3Example:
2.5 tbsp × 3 = 7.5 tsp (US)
To convert in the opposite direction:
tbsp (US) = tsp (US) ÷ 3.
US vs Metric vs Australian Spoons
The US teaspoon equals 4.92892159375 mL and the US tablespoon equals 14.78676478125 mL, preserving the 3:1 ratio. A metric teaspoon is 5 mL and a metric tablespoon is 15 mL (also 3:1). An Australian tablespoon is 20 mL (4 × 5 mL metric teaspoons). Choose the correct converter to avoid scaling errors in baking, dosing, and formulation.
Why Convert tbsp to tsp?
- 🍰 Baking precision: Break larger tablespoon amounts into smaller teaspoon steps.
- 🥤 Beverage formulation: Express micro-additions consistently.
- 💊 Dosing clarity: Translate tablespoon guidance into more granular teaspoons.
- 🧪 Lab & R&D: Document micro volumes in finer increments for SOPs.
- 📦 Labeling & QA: Provide dual units and reduce transcription errors.
Common Conversions
- 1 tbsp = 3 tsp
- 2 tbsp = 6 tsp
- 3 tbsp = 9 tsp
- 4 tbsp = 12 tsp
- 6 tbsp = 18 tsp
- 8 tbsp = 24 tsp
- 12 tbsp = 36 tsp
- 16 tbsp = 48 tsp
What is a Tablespoon?
A tablespoon is a kitchen measure for liquid (and some dry) ingredients. In the US customary hierarchy, it equals 3 teaspoons and 1/16 of a US cup. Its exact relationship with teaspoons makes the tbsp→tsp conversion trivially precise.
What is a Teaspoon?
A teaspoon is a small kitchen measure used for liquids and fine dry ingredients. In the US system, it equals 1/3 of a tablespoon and 1/48 of a US cup. It’s useful for dosing, spices, extracts, and other small-volume tasks.
Step-by-Step: Converting US tbsp to tsp
- Write down your volume in US tablespoons (tbsp).
- Multiply by 3.
- Express the result in US teaspoons (tsp).
Example walkthrough:
Input: 4.75 tbsp (US)
Multiply: 4.75 × 3 = 14.25
Output: 14.25 tsp (US)Precision, Rounding & Significant Figures
For everyday cooking, 2–3 decimals are plenty; this tool defaults to 5 for cross-page consistency. In professional contexts (R&D, QA, clinical), match significant figures to instruments and SOPs to avoid rounding bias in chained calculations.
Use Cases of tbsp → tsp
- 🎂 Splitting tablespoon measures into teaspoon steps for accuracy
- 🧃 Micro-batch beverage and syrup formulation
- 💉 Clarifying dosing instructions for households
- 🧫 SOPs and lab notes requiring finer increments
- 🏷️ Dual-unit product labels and instructions
Quick Reference Table
| Tablespoons (US tbsp) | Teaspoons (US tsp) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 3.00000 |
| 2 | 6.00000 |
| 3 | 9.00000 |
| 4 | 12.00000 |
| 6 | 18.00000 |
| 8 | 24.00000 |
| 12 | 36.00000 |
| 16 | 48.00000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you convert tablespoons to teaspoons?
Use the formula: teaspoons (US) = tablespoons × 3. In the US customary system, 1 tablespoon equals exactly 3 teaspoons.
How many teaspoons are in 1 tablespoon?
There are exactly 3 US teaspoons in 1 US tablespoon. This follows from the cup hierarchy (1 tbsp = 1/16 cup; 1 tsp = 1/48 cup).
Is a US tablespoon the same as a metric or Australian tablespoon?
No. A US tablespoon is 14.78676478125 mL and equals 3 US teaspoons (4.92892159375 mL each). A metric tablespoon is 15 mL (still 3 metric teaspoons of 5 mL), while an Australian tablespoon is 20 mL (equal to 4 metric teaspoons). This page converts US tablespoons to US teaspoons.
How do I convert teaspoons back to tablespoons?
Divide by 3: tablespoons (US) = teaspoons ÷ 3. For example, 9 tsp ÷ 3 = 3 tbsp.
Do tablespoons and teaspoons measure weight or volume?
Tablespoons (tbsp) and teaspoons (tsp) measure volume. Weight depends on the substance’s density (e.g., 1 tbsp of oil weighs less than 1 tbsp of honey).
Tips for Accurate Small-Volume Measuring
- Use leveled measuring spoons to avoid overfilling viscous ingredients.
- Confirm whether your source expects US, metric, or Australian tablespoons.
- For very small amounts, consider mL-marked droppers or syringes for repeatable measures.