Teaspoons to Milliliters Converter (tsp ⇄ mL)
Convert US teaspoons to milliliters instantly for cooking, baking, and precise measurements. 1 teaspoon = 4.93 mL, 1/2 tsp = 2.46 mL, 1/4 tsp = 1.23 mL. Perfect for following international recipes, measuring spices, extracts, and small liquid quantities.
Teaspoons ⇄ Milliliters Calculator
Convert US teaspoon (tsp) to milliliter (mL) and back. Perfect for fast cooking & baking conversions.
Key fact: 1 US tsp = 4.93 mL • 1 metric tsp = 5 mL
How many milliliters in 1 teaspoon?
1 US teaspoon = 4.92892 milliliters (mL)
Commonly rounded to 4.93 mL or 5 mL. Metric teaspoons (used in Australia, UK, NZ) are exactly 5 mL.
Complete Teaspoons to Milliliters Conversion Chart
Quick reference table for converting US teaspoons to milliliters. All measurements use the standard US teaspoon (4.92892 mL).
Fractional Teaspoon Measurements
| Teaspoons | Milliliters (mL) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 tsp | 0.62 mL | Pinch, fine spices |
| 1/4 tsp | 1.23 mL | Salt, pepper, spices |
| 1/2 tsp | 2.46 mL | Vanilla, baking powder |
| 3/4 tsp | 3.70 mL | Garlic powder, spices |
| 1 tsp | 4.93 mL | Standard measurement |
| 1.5 tsp | 7.39 mL | Oils, extracts |
| 2 tsp | 9.86 mL | Lemon juice, vinegar |
| 3 tsp | 14.79 mL | 1 tablespoon |
Whole Teaspoon Measurements
| Teaspoons | Milliliters (mL) | Tablespoons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tsp | 4.93 mL | 1/3 tbsp |
| 2 tsp | 9.86 mL | 2/3 tbsp |
| 3 tsp | 14.79 mL | 1 tbsp |
| 4 tsp | 19.72 mL | 1 1/3 tbsp |
| 5 tsp | 24.64 mL | 1 2/3 tbsp |
| 6 tsp | 29.57 mL | 2 tbsp |
| 12 tsp | 59.15 mL | 4 tbsp (1/4 cup) |
| 48 tsp | 236.59 mL | 16 tbsp (1 cup) |
Milliliters to Teaspoons
| Milliliters (mL) | US Teaspoons | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 0.20 tsp | Medicine dropper |
| 2.5 mL | 0.51 tsp (1/2) | Liquid medicine |
| 5 mL | 1.01 tsp (~1) | Standard dose, 1 metric tsp |
| 10 mL | 2.03 tsp (~2) | Cough syrup |
| 15 mL | 3.04 tsp (3) | 1 tablespoon |
| 20 mL | 4.06 tsp (~4) | Cooking oil |
| 30 mL | 6.09 tsp (~6) | 2 tablespoons |
| 50 mL | 10.14 tsp | ~3 1/3 tablespoons |
Understanding Different Teaspoon Measurements
Not all teaspoons are created equal! Different countries use different teaspoon standards, which can affect your recipes.
⚠️ Important: Teaspoon Types
| US Teaspoon: | 4.92892 mL (~4.93 mL) |
| Metric Teaspoon: | 5 mL (Australia, UK, NZ, Canada) |
| Difference: | 0.07 mL per teaspoon |
Impact on recipes: The difference is small for 1-2 teaspoons but adds up in larger quantities. For 10 teaspoons, it's a 0.7 mL difference (about 1/8 teaspoon).
How to Tell Which Teaspoon a Recipe Uses
- US recipes: Use 4.93 mL teaspoons. Most American cookbooks and websites default to US teaspoons.
- Australian/UK/NZ recipes: Use 5 mL metric teaspoons. Often explicitly stated as "metric teaspoons."
- Medical dosing: Usually refers to 5 mL teaspoons for consistency and safety.
- When in doubt: Use 5 mL as the standard—it's close enough for most recipes and is the international standard.
✓ Pro tip: For baking (where precision matters), use a kitchen scale and measure in grams or mL. For cooking (soups, sauces), the small difference between US and metric teaspoons rarely matters.
How to Convert Teaspoons to Milliliters
✓ The Formula
mL = teaspoons × 4.92892 (or × 5 for metric)
To go the other way: teaspoons = mL ÷ 4.93
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1: Convert 2 teaspoons to mL
- Start with the amount: 2 teaspoons
- Multiply by 4.93: 2 × 4.93 = 9.86 mL
- Result: 2 teaspoons = 9.86 mL (or ~10 mL)
Example 2: Convert 1/2 teaspoon to mL
- Start with the fraction: 1/2 teaspoon = 0.5 teaspoons
- Multiply by 4.93: 0.5 × 4.93 = 2.46 mL
- Result: 1/2 teaspoon = 2.46 mL (or ~2.5 mL)
Example 3: Convert 5 mL to teaspoons
- Start with milliliters: 5 mL
- Divide by 4.93: 5 ÷ 4.93 = 1.014 teaspoons
- Result: 5 mL = ~1 teaspoon
Quick Mental Math Shortcut
For rough estimates in the kitchen:
- 1 tsp ≈ 5 mL: Easy to remember and only 1.4% off the exact value
- 1/2 tsp ≈ 2.5 mL: Half of 5
- 3 tsp = 1 tbsp ≈ 15 mL: Standard conversion
These rounded numbers work perfectly for everyday cooking and are within measurement tolerances.
Common Uses for Teaspoon Measurements
🧂 Spices & Seasonings
Teaspoons are the standard unit for measuring salt, pepper, dried herbs, and ground spices. Typical range: 1/4 tsp to 2 tsp per recipe.
🍦 Extracts & Flavorings
Vanilla, almond, lemon extract are measured in teaspoons. Usually 1/2 tsp to 2 tsp per recipe. These are highly concentrated.
🎂 Baking Agents
Baking powder, baking soda, yeast, and cream of tartar. Small amounts (1/4 tsp to 2 tsp) have big impacts on rising and texture.
💊 Medicine & Supplements
Liquid medicines often use 5 mL (1 tsp) as the standard dose. Always use the measuring device provided with medication.
Typical Teaspoon Quantities in Recipes
| Ingredient | Typical Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Salt | 1/4 to 1 tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Vanilla extract | 1 to 2 tsp | Sweet flavor, baking |
| Baking powder | 1 to 2 tsp | Leavening agent |
| Baking soda | 1/4 to 1 tsp | Leavening, browning |
| Cinnamon | 1/2 to 2 tsp | Spice, warmth |
| Garlic powder | 1/4 to 1 tsp | Savory flavor |
| Active dry yeast | 2 1/4 tsp | 1 packet, bread rising |
| Olive oil | 1 to 3 tsp | Drizzling, sautéing |
Practical Tips for Measuring Teaspoons Accurately
🥄 Use Proper Measuring Spoons
Don't use eating spoons! They vary wildly in size. Use actual measuring spoons (1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp).
📏 Level Off Dry Ingredients
For spices and powders, fill the spoon and level off with a straight edge (knife, spatula). Don't heap or pack unless specified.
💧 Pour Liquids Carefully
For vanilla, oil, etc., pour into the spoon until it reaches the rim. Hold it level to avoid spilling. A small funnel helps.
⚖️ For Precision: Use a Syringe
For exact measurements of expensive extracts or medicine, use a 5 mL or 10 mL syringe from a pharmacy. This is more accurate than spoons.
What if You Don't Have Measuring Spoons?
If you're in a pinch, here are emergency alternatives (less accurate, but workable):
- 1 teaspoon ≈ 100 drops: Useful for extracts (very approximate)
- 1 teaspoon ≈ pinch with 3 fingers: For salt, sugar (thumb, index, middle)
- 1/2 teaspoon ≈ pinch with 2 fingers: Smaller pinch (thumb and index)
- Medicine cup: Many come with 5 mL marking = 1 teaspoon
- Buy a set: Measuring spoons cost $3-5 and last forever
Frequently Asked Questions
How many milliliters in 1 teaspoon?
1 US teaspoon = 4.92892 milliliters (mL), commonly rounded to 4.93 mL or 5 mL. Metric teaspoons (Australia, UK, NZ, Canada) are exactly 5 mL. The difference is minimal and rarely affects recipes.
How many mL in 1/2 teaspoon?
1/2 teaspoon = 2.46 milliliters, commonly rounded to 2.5 mL. This is exactly half of a standard US teaspoon measurement.
How many mL in 1/4 teaspoon?
1/4 teaspoon = 1.23 milliliters, commonly rounded to 1.25 mL. This small measurement is often used for spices and baking soda.
Is a US teaspoon the same as a metric teaspoon?
Almost, but not exactly. US teaspoon = 4.93 mL while metric teaspoon = 5 mL. The difference is 0.07 mL (about 1-2 drops), which is negligible for most recipes. Australian, UK, NZ, and Canadian recipes use metric teaspoons.
How many teaspoons in 5 mL?
5 mL = 1.01 US teaspoons, essentially 1 teaspoon. This is exactly 1 metric teaspoon. Medicine dosing typically uses 5 mL as the standard "teaspoon" dose.
How many teaspoons in 15 mL?
15 mL = 3.04 US teaspoons, commonly rounded to 3 teaspoons or 1 tablespoon. The conversion 3 tsp = 1 tbsp = 15 mL is exact enough for cooking.
How many teaspoons in 10 mL?
10 mL = 2.03 US teaspoons, commonly rounded to 2 teaspoons. This is a common cough syrup dose size.
Can I use a regular spoon to measure a teaspoon?
No! Regular eating spoons vary from 3-7 mL depending on the style. A soup spoon might be 10-15 mL. Always use actual measuring spoons for recipes. For medicine, use the measuring device that comes with it.
What's the difference between a teaspoon and a tablespoon?
1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons = 14.79 mL (or 15 mL). Tablespoons are 3 times larger than teaspoons. Use tbsp for larger amounts, tsp for smaller precise measurements like spices.
How do I convert teaspoons to cups?
48 teaspoons = 1 cup. Formula: cups = teaspoons ÷ 48. Example: 24 teaspoons ÷ 48 = 0.5 cups (1/2 cup). It's easier to convert through tablespoons: teaspoons ÷ 3 = tablespoons, then tablespoons ÷ 16 = cups.
Complete Volume Measurement Reference
| Unit | Milliliters (mL) | Teaspoons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon (tsp) | 4.93 mL | 1 tsp |
| 1 tablespoon (tbsp) | 14.79 mL | 3 tsp |
| 1 fluid ounce (fl oz) | 29.57 mL | 6 tsp |
| 1/4 cup | 59.15 mL | 12 tsp |
| 1/2 cup | 118.29 mL | 24 tsp |
| 1 cup | 236.59 mL | 48 tsp |
Metric Teaspoon Countries
The following countries use the 5 mL metric teaspoon standard:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Most European countries
- South Africa
The United States uses the 4.93 mL teaspoon standard. When following international recipes, check which standard they use.
Related Converters
Note
US measurements unless noted. This converter uses the standard US teaspoon (4.92892 mL). Metric teaspoons used in Australia, UK, NZ, and Canada are exactly 5 mL. The difference is minimal for most recipes. For precise medical dosing, always use the measuring device provided with medication.