How Many Tablespoons in a Cup?
In the US customary system, 1 cup (237 mL) equals exactly 16 tablespoons.
Quick Answer
16 tablespoons
cup = tablespoon
Conversion Table
| cup | tablespoon | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 cup | 4 tablespoons | 1/4 × 16 = 4 |
| 1/3 cup | 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon | 1/3 × 16 = 5.33 |
| 1/2 cup | 8 tablespoons | 1/2 × 16 = 8 |
| 2/3 cup | 10 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons | 2/3 × 16 = 10.67 |
| 3/4 cup | 12 tablespoons | 3/4 × 16 = 12 |
| 1 cup | 16 tablespoons | Standard measure |
Alternative Conversions
Metric
1 cup = 237 mL
Fluid ounces
1 cup = 8 fl oz
Teaspoons
1 cup = 48 teaspoons
Australian
1 cup = 12.5 tbsp (20ml tbsp)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Australian tablespoons are 20 mL, while US and UK tablespoons are 15 mL. This means 1 Australian cup (250 mL) equals 12.5 Australian tablespoons, not 16. Always check your recipe origin when converting.
There are 4 tablespoons in 1/4 cup. This is calculated by dividing 16 tablespoons (in 1 cup) by 4.
There are 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon in 1/3 cup. Since 1/3 of 16 tablespoons equals 5.33 tablespoons, and 0.33 tablespoons equals 1 teaspoon.
There are 8 tablespoons in 1/2 cup. Simply divide 16 by 2.
Yes, exactly. 4 tablespoons = 1/4 cup = 2 fluid ounces = 12 teaspoons.
Measuring Tips
For accurate measurements: Use standard measuring spoons (not regular teaspoons from your drawer). Level dry ingredients with a straight edge - sweep across the top of the measuring spoon or cup. For sticky ingredients like honey or peanut butter, spray the spoon with cooking spray first for easy release.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using "heaping" tablespoons instead of level ones can add 25-50% extra ❌ Measuring flour by scooping directly from the bag packs it down, adding 20-30% more ❌ Not checking if recipe uses US or Australian tablespoons (20% difference) ❌ Using liquid measuring cups for dry ingredients (less accurate)
When to Use This Measurement
Use tablespoons for: Small amounts of liquid (under 1/4 cup), spices, extracts, leavening agents (baking powder/soda), salt, vanilla. For larger amounts, switch to cups or weight measurements.
Recommended Equipment
Digital kitchen scale - most accurate for baking Stainless steel measuring spoons - more precise than plastic Bench scraper or knife for leveling Small prep bowls for pre-measuring (mise en place)
Recommended products (Amazon affiliate links):
Recipe Scaling Guide
To double a recipe: Multiply all tablespoons by 2 To halve: Divide by 2 For 1.5x: Multiply by 3, then divide by 2 Example: 4 tablespoons doubled = 8 tablespoons = 1/2 cup