Tablespoon to Milliliter Converter
Convert tablespoons to milliliters quickly and accurately.
Enter Value in Tablespoons
Measurement Standard
- US tablespoon = 14.79 mL
- Metric tablespoon = 15 mL
- Australian tablespoon = 20 mL
The Complete Guide to Tablespoon to Milliliter Conversion
Basic Conversion Formula
To convert tablespoons to milliliters, multiply the tablespoon value by the appropriate conversion factor based on your regional standard:
US Tablespoon: Milliliters = Tablespoons × 14.7868
Metric/International Tablespoon: Milliliters = Tablespoons × 15
Australian Tablespoon: Milliliters = Tablespoons × 20
Understanding Regional Differences
Tablespoon measurements vary around the world, which can affect recipe outcomes when converting between different standards:
| Region | Tablespoon Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 14.79 mL | Based on 1/16 US cup or 1/2 US fluid ounce |
| UK, Canada, New Zealand | 15 mL | International metric standard |
| Australia | 20 mL | The only country using this larger standard |
| Traditional UK (pre-1970s) | 17.76 mL | For older British recipes |
Precision in Measuring
For accurate tablespoon to milliliter conversions, consider these important factors:
- Level vs. Heaped:Recipe measurements typically refer to level tablespoons unless otherwise specified. A heaped tablespoon can contain up to 2-3 times more of a dry ingredient.
- Measuring Spoons:Use standardized measuring spoons rather than regular tableware spoons, which can vary significantly in size.
- Liquid vs. Dry:For liquids, look at the meniscus (curved surface of the liquid) at eye level and measure to the bottom of the curve.
- Recipe Origin:Consider where your recipe originates from to determine which tablespoon standard to use.
- Digital Scale:For ultimate precision, especially in baking, consider using a digital scale to measure by weight rather than volume.
Common Tablespoon to Milliliter Equivalents
US Standard
- ½ tbsp = 7.39 mL
- 1 tbsp = 14.79 mL
- 2 tbsp = 29.57 mL
- 4 tbsp = 59.15 mL
- 8 tbsp = 118.29 mL (1/2 cup)
Metric Standard
- ½ tbsp = 7.5 mL
- 1 tbsp = 15 mL
- 2 tbsp = 30 mL
- 4 tbsp = 60 mL
- 8 tbsp = 120 mL
Historical Context
Spoon measurements have evolved over centuries. Traditional tablespoons, particularly in Britain, had deeper bowls compared to modern spoons. This is why older recipes might yield different results when using modern measuring spoons. The standardization of the tablespoon as a precise unit of measurement occurred relatively recently:
- Pre-20th century: Spoon sizes varied widely between households
- Early 20th century: Movement toward standardization began
- 1970s: Most countries adopted the metric tablespoon (15 mL), except Australia
- Present day: Digital kitchen scales increasingly replace volume measurements for precision
Practical Applications
Understanding tablespoon to milliliter conversion is especially important in these scenarios:
- Medicine:Precise dosing is critical. Medical tablespoons are standardized at 15 mL.
- International Recipes:Converting between recipes from different countries.
- Baking:Where precision significantly affects results.
- Nutrition Calculation:Accurate measurement for calorie and nutrient tracking.
- Scaling Recipes:Converting between different measurement systems when scaling recipes up or down.
For the most consistent results in cooking and especially in baking, consider investing in a set of standardized measuring spoons and a digital kitchen scale. This will ensure accuracy regardless of which measurement system your recipe uses.
Practical Conversion Examples
Below are common examples of tablespoon to milliliter conversions you might encounter in recipes, cooking, and everyday measurements. Understanding these conversions can help you accurately follow recipes from different countries and adjust measurements as needed.
Example 1Basic Conversion
1 tablespoon (US) = 14.79 mL
1 tablespoon (metric) = 15 mL
1 tablespoon (Australian) = 20 mL
Understanding which standard applies to your recipe is crucial for accurate results, especially in baking where precision matters.
Example 2Recipe Adjustment
Recipe calls for: 3 tablespoons of olive oil
US conversion: 3 tbsp × 14.79 mL = 44.37 mL
Metric conversion: 3 tbsp × 15 mL = 45 mL
For cooking with oils and other liquids, a difference of less than 1 mL is negligible, but can become significant when scaling recipes.
Example 3Cooking with Sauces
Recipe calls for: 2½ tablespoons soy sauce
US conversion: 2.5 × 14.79 mL = 36.98 mL
Practical measure: 37 mL
When measuring sauces and condiments, it's acceptable to round to the nearest whole milliliter for practical kitchen measurement.
Example 4Baking Precision
Recipe calls for: 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
US conversion: 1 tbsp = 14.79 mL
If using an Australian recipe: 1 tbsp = 20 mL
Difference: 5.21 mL (significant for flavor)
For expensive ingredients like vanilla extract, knowing the correct tablespoon standard is particularly important to avoid waste or flavor imbalance.
Example 5Medical Dosing
Medicine dosage: 1 tablespoon
Standard medical tablespoon: 15 mL
Never use regular tablespoons for medicine!
For medication, always use the measuring device provided with the medicine. Medical tablespoons are standardized at exactly 15 mL for precise dosing.
Example 6Recipe Scaling
Original recipe: 4 tablespoons (metric) = 60 mL
Half recipe: 2 tablespoons = 30 mL
Double recipe: 8 tablespoons = 120 mL
When scaling recipes up or down, converting to milliliters first can help maintain accuracy, especially when working with partial tablespoon measurements.
Kitchen Tip
When following recipes from different regions, pay attention to where the recipe originated. A tablespoon in an Australian cookbook contains about 35% more volume than a US tablespoon, which can significantly affect the outcome of your dish, especially in baking and when using spices or flavor extracts.