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 liter (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 US uses customary units (US gallon, short ton, °F) in daily life; NIST SP 811 gives the exact SI factors.
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 liters |
|---|---|---|
| milliliter | mL | 0.001 liter |
| liter | L | 1 liter |
| cubic meter | m³ | 1,000 liter |
| teaspoon (metric) | tsp | 0.005 liter |
| tablespoon (metric) | tbsp | 0.015 liter |
| cup (metric) | cup | 0.25 liter |
| US fluid ounce | US fl oz | 0.0295735296 liter |
| US cup | US cup | 0.2365882365 liter |
| US pint | US pt | 0.473176473 liter |
| US gallon | US gal | 3.785411784 liter |
| imperial fluid ounce | imp fl oz | 0.0284130625 liter |
| imperial pint | imp pt | 0.56826125 liter |
| imperial gallon | imp gal | 4.54609 liter |
| cubic foot | ft³ | 28.316846592 liter |
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 Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) — United States's national measurement authority.
Last checked: September 2026. Conversion factors are fixed by definition and do not change with tax years or regulations.