How to Convert TSP to ML: Volume Measurements Explained
Master converting teaspoons to milliliters (tsp to ml) for liquids. Exact conversion factor, quick chart, and US vs imperial differences.
How Many mL in a Teaspoon?
1 US teaspoon equals 4.92892 milliliters (mL). For everyday cooking and baking, most people round this to 5 mL per teaspoon. Converting volume to volume is a fixed ratio, no ingredient density needed, which makes it much simpler than weight conversions.
Use our teaspoons to milliliters converter for instant results on any amount.
The Exact Conversion Factor
The precise relationship is:
1 US teaspoon = 4.92892 mL
So to convert teaspoons to milliliters, multiply the number of teaspoons by 4.92892 (or by 5 for quick, accurate-enough math in most recipes).
Worked example: A recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- 3 × 4.92892 = 14.79 mL
- Rounded: 15 mL, which is exactly 1 tablespoon.
Quick TSP to ML Conversion Chart
| Teaspoons | Milliliters (exact) | Milliliters (rounded) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 tsp | 1.23 mL | 1.25 mL |
| 1/2 tsp | 2.46 mL | 2.5 mL |
| 1 tsp | 4.93 mL | 5 mL |
| 2 tsp | 9.86 mL | 10 mL |
| 3 tsp (1 tbsp) | 14.79 mL | 15 mL |
| 4 tsp | 19.72 mL | 20 mL |
| 6 tsp (2 tbsp) | 29.57 mL | 30 mL |
| 12 tsp (1/4 cup) | 59.15 mL | 60 mL |
US Teaspoon vs. Imperial vs. Metric
There are actually three different teaspoons:
- US teaspoon: 4.92892 mL
- Imperial teaspoon (UK): 5.92 mL
- Metric teaspoon: 5 mL
In modern culinary contexts, most measuring spoons sold today are standardized to the 5 mL metric teaspoon, even in the US and UK. Unless a recipe explicitly notes a different standard, using 5 mL per teaspoon is accurate enough.
Why Use Milliliters?
The metric system is based on powers of ten, which makes scaling recipes effortless. Doubling 125 mL of milk is simply 250 mL. The same math with fractional cups and fluid ounces gets messy quickly.
When Does TSP to ML Not Apply?
This conversion only works for liquid (volume) measurements. If you need to convert teaspoons of a dry ingredient like flour or sugar to grams (a weight), volume-to-volume rules go out the window and you must use teaspoons to grams with the ingredient density.
Keep this teaspoon to ml conversion handy and you will navigate international recipes with confidence.