Tablespoons to Teaspoons Converter
Convert tablespoons to teaspoons — three teaspoons to the tablespoon in most of the world. Results update as you type; exact factors shown.
One tablespoon (metric) is 3 teaspoon (metric) — see the exact factor, not a rounded rule of thumb.
How the tablespoons to teaspoons converter works
Volumes convert through the litre (exactly 1 dm³). The US gallon is exactly 3.785411784 L (231 cubic inches); the imperial gallon is exactly 4.54609 L. A US fluid ounce is 29.5735 mL, an imperial fluid ounce 28.4131 mL; a US pint is 16 US fl oz, an imperial pint 20 imperial fl oz.
The UK is metric for most trade and science but keeps miles, pints, stone and mpg (with the imperial gallon) in daily life.
Common volume conversions
| From | To | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 tbsp | 1.5 tsp | tablespoon (metric) to teaspoon (metric) |
| 1 tbsp | 3 tsp | tablespoon (metric) to teaspoon (metric) |
| 1.5 tbsp | 4.5 tsp | tablespoon (metric) to teaspoon (metric) |
| 2 tbsp | 6 tsp | tablespoon (metric) to teaspoon (metric) |
| 3 tbsp | 9 tsp | tablespoon (metric) to teaspoon (metric) |
| 4 tbsp | 12 tsp | tablespoon (metric) to teaspoon (metric) |
| 5 tbsp | 15 tsp | tablespoon (metric) to teaspoon (metric) |
| 6 tbsp | 18 tsp | tablespoon (metric) to teaspoon (metric) |
| 8 tbsp | 24 tsp | tablespoon (metric) to teaspoon (metric) |
| 10 tbsp | 30 tsp | tablespoon (metric) to teaspoon (metric) |
| 12 tbsp | 36 tsp | tablespoon (metric) to teaspoon (metric) |
| 16 tbsp | 48 tsp | tablespoon (metric) to teaspoon (metric) |
Units in this converter and their exact factors
| Unit | Symbol | One unit in litres |
|---|---|---|
| millilitre | mL | 0.001 litre |
| litre | L | 1 litre |
| cubic metre | m³ | 1,000 litre |
| teaspoon (metric) | tsp | 0.005 litre |
| tablespoon (metric) | tbsp | 0.015 litre |
| cup (metric) | cup | 0.25 litre |
| US fluid ounce | US fl oz | 0.0295735296 litre |
| US cup | US cup | 0.2365882365 litre |
| US pint | US pt | 0.473176473 litre |
| US gallon | US gal | 3.785411784 litre |
| imperial fluid ounce | imp fl oz | 0.0284130625 litre |
| imperial pint | imp pt | 0.56826125 litre |
| imperial gallon | imp gal | 4.54609 litre |
| cubic foot | ft³ | 28.316846592 litre |
FAQFrequently asked questions about volume conversion
How many teaspoons in a tablespoon?
Three, at the 15 mL tablespoon used in the UK and US. Australia's 20 mL tablespoon holds four.
What is half a tablespoon?
1.5 teaspoons.
Why does Australia differ?
Australia standardised on a 20 mL tablespoon at metrication, making it four teaspoons rather than three.
Does this matter in baking?
Yes — a recipe calling for three Australian tablespoons of raising agent is four UK ones.
How many teaspoons in a cup?
About 48 US teaspoons.
Where these figures come from
- BIPM — The International System of Units (SI Brochure, 9th edition) — definitions of the base and derived units.
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units — the exact conversion factors used here.
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL) — United Kingdom's national measurement authority.
Last checked: September 2026. Conversion factors are fixed by definition and do not change with tax years or regulations.