Cups to Tablespoons Converter
Convert cups to tablespoons (tbsp) and back instantly. 1 cup = 16 tablespoons — perfect for scaling recipes and measuring without a measuring cup.
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Cups to Tablespoons Conversion Table
The quick-reference table every home baker needs. All values are US standard measurements:
| Cups | Tablespoons | Teaspoons | mL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 cup | 2 tbsp | 6 tsp | 30 mL |
| 1/4 cup | 4 tbsp | 12 tsp | 59 mL |
| 1/3 cup | 5 tbsp + 1 tsp | 16 tsp | 79 mL |
| 3/8 cup | 6 tbsp | 18 tsp | 89 mL |
| 1/2 cup | 8 tbsp | 24 tsp | 118 mL |
| 2/3 cup | 10 tbsp + 2 tsp | 32 tsp | 158 mL |
| 3/4 cup | 12 tbsp | 36 tsp | 177 mL |
| 7/8 cup | 14 tbsp | 42 tsp | 207 mL |
| 1 cup | 16 tbsp | 48 tsp | 237 mL |
| 1.5 cups | 24 tbsp | 72 tsp | 355 mL |
| 2 cups | 32 tbsp | 96 tsp | 473 mL |
How Many Tablespoons in a Cup?
There are exactly 16 tablespoons in 1 US cup. This is one of the most fundamental cooking measurement relationships to memorize.
The full chain of volume relationships in US cooking measurements:
- 1 cup = 16 tablespoons
- 1 cup = 48 teaspoons
- 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces
- 1 cup = 236.6 mL
- 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons
- 1 tablespoon = 14.79 mL
To convert cups to tablespoons manually: multiply cups by 16. For example, 3/4 cup × 16 = 12 tablespoons.
To convert tablespoons to cups: divide by 16. For example, 4 tablespoons ÷ 16 = 0.25 cups (1/4 cup).
Tablespoons to Cups — Common Conversions
| Tablespoons | Cups | Fraction |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tbsp | 0.0625 cups | 1/16 cup |
| 2 tbsp | 0.125 cups | 1/8 cup |
| 4 tbsp | 0.25 cups | 1/4 cup |
| 5 tbsp + 1 tsp | 0.333 cups | 1/3 cup |
| 8 tbsp | 0.5 cups | 1/2 cup |
| 12 tbsp | 0.75 cups | 3/4 cup |
| 16 tbsp | 1 cup | 1 cup |
| 32 tbsp | 2 cups | 1 pint |
The Tricky Fractions: 1/3 Cup and 2/3 Cup
The most confusing cups-to-tablespoons conversions involve thirds, because they do not divide evenly into whole tablespoons.
How many tablespoons in 1/3 cup?
1/3 cup = 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon. This is because 1/3 of 16 tablespoons = 5.333 tablespoons. The 0.333 of a tablespoon equals 1 teaspoon (since 1 tbsp = 3 tsp, and 0.333 × 3 = 1 tsp).
How many tablespoons in 2/3 cup?
2/3 cup = 10 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons. This is 2/3 of 16 = 10.667 tablespoons. The 0.667 × 3 = 2 teaspoons.
This is why many recipes that use 1/3 cup specify "5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon" when providing a tablespoon equivalent — it is not a mistake, it is the precise conversion.
US vs UK vs Australian Tablespoons
Not all tablespoons are equal. If you are following a recipe from a different country, the tablespoon size may differ:
| Country | Tablespoon Size | Tbsp per Cup |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 14.79 mL | 16 tbsp |
| United Kingdom | 15 mL | ~15.8 tbsp |
| Australia | 20 mL | ~12.5 tbsp |
| Canada | 15 mL | ~15.8 tbsp |
The Australian tablespoon is notably larger at 20mL — equal to 4 teaspoons rather than the standard 3. If you are following an Australian recipe, use our cups to mL converter for the most accurate result.
Practical Tips: Measuring Without a Measuring Cup
Knowing the cups-to-tablespoons conversion is especially useful when your measuring cups are dirty, misplaced, or you only need a small amount.
Common substitutions:
- No 1/4 cup? Use 4 tablespoons
- No 1/3 cup? Use 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon
- No 1/2 cup? Use 8 tablespoons
- No 3/4 cup? Use 12 tablespoons
- No 1 cup? Use 16 tablespoons
Measuring tip for dry ingredients
When measuring flour, sugar, or other dry ingredients by tablespoon, spoon the ingredient into the tablespoon and level off with a straight edge. Do not scoop directly from the bag — this compacts the ingredient and gives you more than intended, throwing off your recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tablespoons in a cup?
There are 16 tablespoons in 1 US cup.
How many tablespoons in half a cup?
Half a cup equals 8 tablespoons.
How many tablespoons in 1/4 cup?
One quarter cup equals 4 tablespoons.
How many tablespoons in 1/3 cup?
One third cup equals 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon (5.333 tablespoons).
How many tablespoons in 3/4 cup?
Three quarters cup equals 12 tablespoons.
How many tablespoons in 2/3 cup?
Two thirds cup equals 10 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons.
Is a tablespoon the same everywhere?
No. A US tablespoon is 14.79 mL, a UK/Canadian tablespoon is 15 mL, and an Australian tablespoon is 20 mL. Most recipes from the US, UK, and Canada are close enough to be interchangeable, but Australian tablespoons are significantly larger.
How many tablespoons in a cup of butter?
1 cup of butter = 16 tablespoons = 2 sticks = 227 grams.
Related Converters
- Tablespoons to Teaspoons
- Cups to Milliliters
- Cups to Grams — ingredient-aware
- Fluid Ounces to mL
- Recipe Scaler
Note
US measurements unless noted. Results are estimates. For precision baking, use a kitchen scale.