How Many Teaspoons Are in a Tablespoon?
July 17, 2026
There are 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon in US and UK recipes (15 ml total). In Australia, a tablespoon holds 4 teaspoons (20 ml). So to replace a missing tablespoon, use 3 level teaspoons.
Wondering how many teaspoons in a tablespoon? The answer is simple: there are exactly 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon. Here is the full breakdown, plus a free converter.
Cups, tablespoons & teaspoons chart
| Cups | Tablespoons | Teaspoons | Millilitres | Fluid oz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 16 tbsp | 48 tsp | 240 ml | 8 fl oz |
| ¾ cup | 12 tbsp | 36 tsp | 180 ml | 6 fl oz |
| ⅔ cup | 10⅔ tbsp | 32 tsp | 160 ml | 5⅓ fl oz |
| ½ cup | 8 tbsp | 24 tsp | 120 ml | 4 fl oz |
| ⅓ cup | 5⅓ tbsp | 16 tsp | 80 ml | 2⅔ fl oz |
| ¼ cup | 4 tbsp | 12 tsp | 60 ml | 2 fl oz |
| 1 tbsp | 1 tbsp | 3 tsp | 15 ml | ½ fl oz |
| 1 tsp | ⅓ tbsp | 1 tsp | 5 ml | — |
US customary measures. 1 US tablespoon = 3 teaspoons = 15 ml; 1 US cup = 16 tablespoons = 240 ml.
How many teaspoons in a tablespoon?
One tablespoon equals three teaspoons in both US and UK cooking. It is one of the most useful conversions to memorise, because recipes mix the two constantly.
Teaspoon to tablespoon chart
| Tablespoons | Teaspoons |
|---|---|
| 1/2 tbsp | 1.5 tsp |
| 1 tbsp | 3 tsp |
| 2 tbsp | 6 tsp |
| 3 tbsp | 9 tsp |
| 1/4 cup | 12 tsp |
Why it matters
Mixing up tsp and tbsp is a threefold error, so it can easily ruin a dish – especially with salt, spices or raising agents. When in doubt, convert.
Convert instantly
Use our free Tablespoon & Teaspoon converter, or see the full cooking conversion chart.
More on spoon measures at tablespoon.
3 teaspoons in a tablespoon — and why it matters
In US and UK recipes, 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons (15 ml). It is one of the handiest conversions to memorise, because it lets you measure a tablespoon accurately when you have lost the larger spoon, or scale a spoon measurement up and down without thinking. The one exception to watch for is Australia, where a tablespoon is 4 teaspoons (20 ml) — so an Australian recipe’s tablespoon is bigger than an American one.
Measuring small amounts accurately
Small quantities are where recipes quietly go wrong:
- Level, don’t heap. A heaped teaspoon of baking powder or baking soda can be nearly double a level one — enough to leave a bitter, soapy taste or make a cake collapse.
- Level dry spoons with the back of a knife.
- Liquids should be filled to the brim, not below it.
Working with larger amounts? See cups to tablespoons for the full breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
How many teaspoons are in a tablespoon? There are exactly 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon.
How many teaspoons in half a tablespoon? Half a tablespoon is 1.5 teaspoons.
Is a tablespoon 15 ml? Yes, 1 US tablespoon is about 15 ml (3 teaspoons of 5 ml).