Tablespoons to Grams Converter

Comprehensive Guide to Tablespoons to Grams Conversion

Converting tablespoons to grams requires understanding the relationship between volume (tablespoons) and weight (grams). This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about this important kitchen conversion.

Understanding Volume vs. Weight

Tablespoons measure volume (how much space an ingredient takes up), while grams measure weight (how heavy the ingredient is). Since different ingredients have different densities, the same volume can have very different weights.

The Basic Formula

To convert tablespoons to grams, the formula is:

grams = tablespoons × 14.7868 × density (g/mL)

For water and similar liquids with a density of 1 g/mL, 1 tablespoon = 14.7868 grams.

Common Ingredient Conversions

Ingredient	1 Tablespoon in Grams
Water	14.79 g
Milk	15.23 g
Cooking Oil	13.01 g
All-Purpose Flour	7.82 g
Granulated Sugar	12.5 g
Brown Sugar (packed)	14 g
Butter	14 g
Honey	18 g
Salt	18 g
Baking Powder	14 g
Baking Soda	14 g
Cocoa Powder	5 g

Why Density Matters

Density is the key factor when converting between volume and weight. Different substances have different densities, which is why 1 tablespoon of honey weighs more than 1 tablespoon of flour.

Pro Tip:

For precision baking, always weigh ingredients in grams rather than measuring by volume (tablespoons or cups). This ensures consistent results every time.

Fractional Tablespoon Conversions

For common recipes, you might need to convert partial tablespoon measurements:

Water (1 g/mL density):

1/8 tbsp = 1.85 g
1/4 tbsp = 3.70 g
1/3 tbsp = 4.93 g
1/2 tbsp = 7.39 g
2/3 tbsp = 9.86 g
3/4 tbsp = 11.09 g
1 tbsp = 14.79 g

All-Purpose Flour:

1/8 tbsp = 0.98 g
1/4 tbsp = 1.96 g
1/3 tbsp = 2.61 g
1/2 tbsp = 3.91 g
2/3 tbsp = 5.21 g
3/4 tbsp = 5.87 g
1 tbsp = 7.82 g

Regional Measurement Variations

Be aware that tablespoon sizes can vary by country:

US tablespoon = 14.79 ml
UK tablespoon = 17.76 ml
Australian tablespoon = 20 ml
Canadian tablespoon = typically 15 ml

These variations can affect your conversion to grams, so be sure to check which measurement system your recipe uses.

Practical Application in Cooking

Here are some practical scenarios where tablespoons to grams conversion is crucial:

Following recipes from different countries that use different measurement systems
Scaling recipes up or down with precision
Professional baking where accuracy is essential for consistent results
Converting family recipes to more precise measurements

Guide

How to Use the Converter

To convert tablespoons to grams, follow these steps:

1
Enter the amount in tablespoons
2
Click the "Convert" button
3
View your converted amount in grams

Example:

1 tablespoon of water = 14.7868 grams

Tips

Tips for Conversion

Tip 1 Ingredient Density

Different ingredients have different densities. For example, 1 tablespoon of flour weighs less than 1 tablespoon of sugar.

Tip 2 Level Measurements

For accurate conversions, make sure to level off your tablespoons. A heaping tablespoon can contain significantly more than a level one.

Enter Your Values

Table of Contents