Measuring ingredients precisely is an important part of cooking and baking. When a recipe calls for a specific volume of liquid or dry ingredients, it’s essential to measure it accurately to ensure the dish turns out as intended. However, when recipes use different units of measurement, such as cups, fluid ounces, or tablespoons, it can be confusing to convert between them to figure out the right amounts to use. This article will provide a detailed explanation of how to convert between some of the most common volume measurements used in cooking and baking – specifically how to convert between cups and tablespoons. We’ll start with a quick overview of the basic equivalencies, then look at how to do the conversion mathematically, and finally provide some examples of converting specific cup measurements into tablespoons. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this guide will give you the tools to seamlessly move between cup and tablespoon measurements in any recipe.
Quick Answer
There are 16 tablespoons in 2 3 cups. To convert cups to tablespoons, there are 3 key equivalencies to remember:
- 1 cup = 16 tablespoons
- 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons
- 1/3 cup = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon
Since 2 3 cups equals 2 cups plus 2/3 cup, the conversion is:
- 2 cups = 2 * 16 = 32 tablespoons
- 2/3 cup = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon
So 2 3 cups totals 32 tablespoons + 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon = 37 tablespoons.
Therefore, the quick answer is that there are 37 tablespoons in 2 3 cups.
Understanding Cup and Tablespoon Conversions
To fully understand how to convert between cups and tablespoons, it’s helpful to first review the basic equivalents between these units:
Cup to Tablespoon Conversions
| 1 cup | = | 16 tablespoons |
| 3/4 cup | = | 12 tablespoons |
| 2/3 cup | = | 10 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons |
| 1/2 cup | = | 8 tablespoons |
| 1/3 cup | = | 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon |
| 1/4 cup | = | 4 tablespoons |
Some key things to notice:
- There are 16 tablespoons in 1 full cup. This is the basis for all other cup to tablespoon conversions.
- Halving the cup measurement halves the number of tablespoons. For example, 1/2 cup equals 8 tablespoons (half of 16 tablespoons).
- Thirds and fourths of cups translate to teaspoons being added to the number of tablespoons.
Keeping these basic equivalents in mind will make converting any cup amount to tablespoons much easier.
Tablespoon to Cup Conversions
Going in the other direction, from tablespoons to cups:
| 16 tablespoons | = | 1 cup |
| 12 tablespoons | = | 3/4 cup |
| 10 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons | = | 2/3 cup |
| 8 tablespoons | = | 1/2 cup |
| 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon | = | 1/3 cup |
| 4 tablespoons | = | 1/4 cup |
The tables above provide a quick reference for converting cups to tablespoons and vice versa. But you can also do the conversions mathematically using ratios and proportions, which allows you to convert any fraction of a cup amount.
Converting Cups to Tablespoons Using Ratios
Since we know that 1 cup = 16 tablespoons, we can set up a ratio to convert any cup measurement to tablespoons.
For example, to convert 2 3 cups to tablespoons:
- The ratio is:
- 1 cup / 16 tablespoons
- Set up a proportion:
- 2 3 cups / x tablespoons
- 1 cup / 16 tablespoons
- Cross-multiply:
- (2 3 cups) * 16 tablespoons = 1 cup * x tablespoons
- Solve for x:
- 37 tablespoons = x
So using ratios and proportions, 2 3 cups equals x tablespoons, and x = 37 tablespoons.
This method works for any fraction of a cup, allowing you to precisely convert to tablespoons.
Converting Specific Cup Measurements to Tablespoons
Let’s look at some examples of converting specific cup amounts to tablespoons using the ratios method:
Example 1: Convert 1 1/4 cups to tablespoons
- Set up the proportion:
- 1 1/4 cups / x tablespoons
- 1 cup / 16 tablespoons
- Cross-multiply:
- (1 1/4 cups) * 16 tablespoons = 1 cup * x tablespoons
- Solve for x:
- 20 tablespoons = x
So 1 1/4 cups equals 20 tablespoons.
Example 2: Convert 2 2/3 cups to tablespoons
- Set up the proportion:
- 2 2/3 cups / x tablespoons
- 1 cup / 16 tablespoons
- Cross-multiply:
- (2 2/3 cups) * 16 tablespoons = 1 cup * x tablespoons
- Solve for x:
- 42 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons = x
So 2 2/3 cups equals 42 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons.
Using this simple ratios method allows you to precisely convert any cup measurement to tablespoons. Whether a whole cup amount or a mixed fraction, setting up the proportion using the 1 cup = 16 tablespoons relationship provides the accurate tablespoon conversion.
Converting Tablespoons to Cups
You can use the same ratio and proportion technique to go in the reverse direction – converting tablespoons to cups.
For example, to convert 36 tablespoons to cups:
- Set up the proportion:
- 36 tablespoons / x cups
- 16 tablespoons / 1 cup
- Cross-multiply:
- 36 tablespoons * 1 cup = 16 tablespoons * x cups
- Solve for x:
- 2 1/4 cups = x
So 36 tablespoons equals 2 1/4 cups.
The ratio of 16 tablespoons = 1 cup is used in the same way but inverted to convert the other direction.
Converting Specific Tablespoon Measurements to Cups
Here are some examples of converting specific tablespoon amounts to cups using this method:
Example 1: Convert 28 tablespoons to cups
- Set up the proportion:
- 28 tablespoons / x cups
- 16 tablespoons / 1 cup
- Cross-multiply:
- 28 tablespoons * 1 cup = 16 tablespoons * x cups
- Solve for x:
- 1 3/4 cups = x
So 28 tablespoons equals 1 3/4 cups.
Example 2: Convert 48 tablespoons to cups
- Set up the proportion:
- 48 tablespoons / x cups
- 16 tablespoons / 1 cup
- Cross-multiply:
- 48 tablespoons * 1 cup = 16 tablespoons * x cups
- Solve for x:
- 3 cups = x
So 48 tablespoons equals 3 cups.
Using ratios allows you to convert any tablespoon amount to cups quickly and easily.
Tips for Converting Cups and Tablespoons
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when converting volume measurements:
- Memorize the basic cup to tablespoon equivalencies like 1 cup = 16 tablespoons. This makes every conversion easier.
- When doubling or tripling a recipe, first convert any cup measurements to tablespoons using ratios, then multiply. This gives greater accuracy.
- Use a conversion table or chart as a quick reference, especially when cooking. Keep it handy in the kitchen next to measuring cups and spoons.
- When converting mixed numbers (like 2 2/3 cups), do the whole number part first, then the fraction. Add them together at the end.
- To check your work, you can convert the tablespoons back to cups using ratios again to verify the original cup amount.
- If you use measuring cups with both cup and tablespoon markings, you can physically measure out the conversion as a double-check.
Mastering cup and tablespoon conversions takes practice, but using ratios streamlines the process and gives precise results. With time and regular use, these measurement equivalents will become second nature.
Conclusion
Converting between cups and tablespoons is a common task in cooking and baking recipes. While it may seem tricky at first, understanding the basic equivalencies between cups and tablespoons and using ratios to convert any measurement makes the process straightforward. To review:
- There are 16 tablespoons in 1 cup. This ratio allows you to set up a proportion to convert any cup or tablespoon amount through cross-multiplication.
- Common conversions like 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons and 1/3 cup = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon should be memorized.
- Use a reference chart as a handy guide and double-check conversions by measuring physically with measuring cups and spoons.
With a bit of practice, converting volume measurements becomes quick and easy. Accurately moving between cups and tablespoons ensures your recipes turn out perfectly every time.
