How Many Teaspoons are in a Tablespoon? (Conversion Chart)

In truth, the simple measurement conversion answer is three teaspoons make a tablespoon. But even with knowing that, many will still make the same mistakes with teaspoon to tablespoon conversions.

conversion chart for teaspoons and tablespoons into cups

Measuring Teaspoons in a Tablespoon Made Easy

Where measuring teaspoons to tablespoons get complicated unnecessarily is the different types of units of measurement. Because, worldwide, there is not one one universal system of measurement.

Further complicating the issue, the density of wet vs dry ingredients, or fluid vs solid measurements adds another level of scientific complexity.

But don’t worry, because when it comes to recipes, three teaspoons still equals a tablespoon.

Still, if you want to get technical about it, there are actually several measurement systems worldwide. These include:

Imperial Cup System (Imperial System)
International Metric System
United States Metric System
United Kingdom Metric System

Why so many units of measurement?

Understanding the different units of measurements, volume, and weights is not just a math and science lesson but a history lesson as well.

However, let’s not get into why British Empire mandated their own system or why Australia and the United States had to rebel against it, or why the metric system is better or any of that.

Just remember… Three teaspoons makes a tablespoon. Unless you are in Australia. Because an Australian tablespoon is made of four level teaspoons.

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Teaspoon to Tablespoon Conversion

Now that you know how many teaspoons in an Australian tablespoon, forget it unless you live down under. Because everywhere else on the planet three teaspoons make a tablespoon.

Just make sure you understand that the ingredients must be level. No more, no less. Too much salt ruins a recipe just like too little sugar turns a cookie into a dog biscuit.

There is also a need to know the abbreviations for each of them.

Teaspoons, tsp, or t
Tablespoons, Tbsp, or T

I can’t tell you how many times I have messed up a recipe because I wrote a “T” instead of a “t” and vice versa.

The Difference between Dry and Wet Ingredients

If you paid attention in science class, then you probably know that fluid ounces are not the same as solid ounces. That liquids are measured in liters, not grams, and all that jazz.

That is all well and good, but for converting teaspoons into tablespoons, it doesn’t have to be that complex.

Wet or dry, fluid or solid, a teaspoon is a teaspoon. A tablespoon is a tablespoon and a cup is a cup. If the recipe calls for a cup of flour in the dry ingredients, then technically you can use the same cup as a cup of water.

And if you need to use your tablespoon to measure a cup, then just remember that 16 tablespoons make a cup. And 1 tablespoon is equal to 3 teaspoons.

Which means also that 36 teaspoons makes a cup. I sincerely hope you never have to measure a cup with teaspoons though.

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Which Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups do I use?

If you ever wondered why you need separate sets of measuring cups for dry and liquid, then your days of befuddlement are over. There is a method to the madness.

With dry ingredients, it is handy to have a straight edge to the top. That makes it easier to create an even measurement. All you need to do is level off the heaping fill. That creates a consistent unit of measurement.

You can use the back of a knife, or a spatula to level it off. No more “too little” or “too much”, and the recipes become more consistent.

Even if you are measuring teaspoons in a tablespoon, a nice leveled amount of dry ingredients is key.

Elegant options for metal measuring spoons for imperial measurements

Conversion Chart for Teaspoons and Tablespoons

Still need help converting teaspoons in a tablespoon? Here is a handy chart for converting units of measurement and measurements of units of volume easily. Click here for a printable version.

How much is a Teaspoon Of Baking Powder?

That might seem like an oxymoron. But we all know, a little too much or too little baking powder can really mess up a good thing.

I think most people who claim “I suck at baking” really don’t have an issue with baking, but more likely an issue with measuring a teaspoon of baking powder.

That, or confusing baking powder with baking soda. In which case, measurements will still be an issue.

For baking soda, make extra sure to measure an even, level teaspoon. Baking soda is pretty dense, so a teaspoon measures 4 grams.

If you want great accuracy then this is where a digital food scale comes in handy.

As for baking soda and baking powder… They are similar and can be used interchangeably if you know your measurements.

Baking soda is 3 times stronger than baking powder, so if a recipe calls for 1 tbsp of baking powder, you’ll want to use 1 tsp of baking soda. (Remember, three tsp in a tbsp).

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, and needs an acid and a liquid to help baking recipes rise. Baking powder already contains sodium bicarbonate and an acid, so it only requires a liquid to help activate the rise.

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