How Many Teaspoons Are in a Tablespoon?

So you found the perfect recipe but it needs to be scaled up or down or you have to convert the units to suit your needs. Easier said than done when the units of measurement have to change, right? From ounces to cups, gallons to liters, it can all be a bit confusing. Introducing the humble spoon; perhaps the most underestimated unit of measurement. It really can throw you for a loop when using it to measure smaller ingredients such as spices. Read on and discover the answer to many a cook’s questions – how many teaspoons in a tablespoon?

Kitchen Facts

The universally accepted answer as to how many teaspoons in a tablespoon is 3. From your standard set of measuring spoons to the teaspoon and tablespoon in your cutlery drawer, you would do well to memorize the fact that 1 tablespoon is equal to 3 teaspoons.

That said if you really want to get into the nitty-gritty of teaspoons and tablespoons, it can get a little more complicated.

Measuring Spoons: Metric versus Imperial

As you may already know, while the rest of the world uses the metric system, the United States, Myanmar and Liberia use the Imperial system.

• One metric tablespoon is equal to 15 milliliters
• One imperial tablespoon equals 14.79 milliliters/ ½ a fluid ounce

Therefore, one metric teaspoon equals 5 milliliters and one imperial teaspoon 4.93 milliliters or 1/6 fluid ounce.

As you can see, the difference between the two systems of measurements is hardly noticeable. This means that you can easily replace metric with imperial teaspoons and tablespoons (and vice versa) without drastically affecting your recipe and its results. However, we suggest keeping it simple and sticking to the 1:3 rule, it is so much easier to remember after all.

What About a Dessert Spoon?

Now that you know the answer to how many teaspoons in a tablespoon; let’s take it another step further and introduce the dessert spoon. It can easily be confused with a tablespoon, so if you don’t have a standard set of measuring spoons, make sure you are using the right spoon required for the recipe.

The dessert spoon comes in at 10 milliliters, snuggly fitting in between the teaspoon and tablespoon. Therefore, there are 2 teaspoons in every dessert spoon.

How Many Teaspoons in a Tablespoon: Easy Does It

If you still are not confident when it comes to how many teaspoons in a tablespoon, we recommend adding your ingredients a bit at a time. If possible, taste it and decide whether the recipe requires more. Remember, you can always add in more salt and other spices, but very rarely can you undo putting too much of something. When it comes to adding salt and strong spices, you won’t regret taking it one teaspoon – or even one pinch – at a time.

Another factor to consider is personal taste. The recipe might call for 2 tablespoons of sugar, for example; however, you can always scale that up or down depending on your preferences. Now that you know how many teaspoons are in a tablespoon, adjusting recipes will be super easy, chef!