How Many Teaspoons Are in a Tablespoon? (3 tsp, Explained)
There are 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon. Get the exact ratio, a full spoon conversion chart, and why this is the most-used conversion in cooking.
How Many Teaspoons Are in a Tablespoon?
There are 3 teaspoons (tsp) in 1 tablespoon (tbsp). This is a fixed conversion that never changes: it is a volume-to-volume relationship, so it applies to every liquid and to dry ingredients measured by volume.
Use our tablespoons to teaspoons converter or teaspoons to tablespoons converter for instant results.
Spoon Conversion Chart
| Measurement | Teaspoons | Ounces |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 teaspoon | 0.125 tsp | - |
| 1/4 teaspoon | 0.25 tsp | - |
| 1/2 teaspoon | 0.5 tsp | - |
| 1 teaspoon | 1 tsp | 1/6 fl oz |
| 1 tablespoon | 3 tsp | 1/2 fl oz |
| 2 tablespoons | 6 tsp | 1 fl oz |
| 1/4 cup | 12 tsp | 2 fl oz |
| 1/3 cup | 16 tsp | 2.7 fl oz |
| 1/2 cup | 24 tsp | 4 fl oz |
| 1 cup | 48 tsp | 8 fl oz |
The Formula
- Tablespoons to teaspoons: multiply by 3. 2 tbsp x 3 = 6 tsp
- Teaspoons to tablespoons: divide by 3. 9 tsp / 3 = 3 tbsp
Worked example: A recipe asks for 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil. That is 1.5 x 3 = 4.5 teaspoons.
Why 3 Teaspoons = 1 Tablespoon Matters
This single ratio is the backbone of most cooking and baking conversions:
- 1 cup = 16 tablespoons = 48 teaspoons
- 1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons = 12 teaspoons
- 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons = 24 teaspoons
If you know "3 tsp = 1 tbsp," you can derive almost every small volume conversion in a recipe without looking anything up.
US vs. Metric Spoons
The US tablespoon is 14.79 mL and the US teaspoon is 4.93 mL, so the 3:1 ratio holds exactly. Metric spoons (15 mL and 5 mL) also keep the 3:1 ratio. Either way, the ratio is the same: 3 teaspoons per tablespoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teaspoons are in 1/2 tablespoon? 1.5 teaspoons.
How many teaspoons are in 2 tablespoons? 6 teaspoons.
How many tablespoons are in a glass? That depends on size, but an 8-ounce glass holds 16 tablespoons (which equals 1 cup).
Convert any spoon measurement instantly with the tablespoons to teaspoons tool.