Quick Answer
A full stick of butter contains 8 tablespoons. A standard stick of butter weighs 4 ounces or 113 grams. Since 1 tablespoon of butter equals 14 grams, dividing 113 grams by 14 grams per tablespoon gives us 8 tablespoons in a stick of butter. So if a recipe calls for 1 stick of butter, you can use 8 tablespoons from a tub instead.
How Many Grams in a Stick of Butter?
A stick of butter is a standard unit used in baking and cooking. In the United States, a stick of butter contains 4 ounces or 113 grams. This measurement is convenient because many recipes call for butter by the stick rather than weighing it out in grams.
The exact weight can vary slightly between brands, but is standardized at 113 grams or 4 ounces per stick. Some key facts about a stick of butter:
- Weighs 113 grams or 4 ounces
- Contains about 8 tablespoons of butter
- Dimensions are typically 1/2 inch thick, 1 1/2 inches wide, and 4 inches long
- Wrapped in wax paper with markings for tablespoons
- Salted and unsalted varieties are available
So when a recipe calls for 1 stick of butter, you can use the conversion of 113 grams of butter. If you don’t have a scale to weigh it out, don’t worry – just use the tablespoon equivalents instead.
How Many Tablespoons in 113 grams of Butter?
To determine how many tablespoons there are in a stick of butter, we need to know how much butter is in a single tablespoon.
A tablespoon of butter weighs approximately:
- 1 tablespoon butter = 14 grams
Knowing this conversion, we can now calculate tablespoons per stick:
- 1 stick butter = 113 grams
- 1 tablespoon butter = 14 grams
- 113 grams divided by 14 grams per tablespoon = 8 tablespoons
So a full stick of butter contains 8 tablespoons!
Converting Butter Measurements
When a recipe calls for butter, you can use the following conversion equivalents:
- 1 stick butter = 8 tablespoons = 113 grams
- 1 tablespoon butter = 14 grams
- 1 cup butter = 2 sticks = 16 tablespoons = 227 grams
This makes it easy to adjust butter measurements in baking recipes.
Substituting Butter Sticks with Tablespoons
If you only have butter in a tub instead of stick form, you can still measure out the equivalents.
To substitute 1 stick of butter use:
- 8 tablespoons butter
Make sure your tablespoons are level, not heaped, for the most accurate quantity.
Substituting Butter Sticks with Grams
For the most precise butter measurements, weigh the butter in grams using a kitchen scale.
To substitute 1 stick of butter use:
- 113 grams butter
This ensures you have exactly the amount of butter the recipe developer intended.
Why Recipes Use Butter Sticks
Butter sticks became the standard in recipes for a few practical reasons:
- Uniform shape makes slicing off tablespoons easy
- Pre-measured markings on the wrapper for tablespoons
- Easily creamed into recipes right from the fridge
- Melts uniformly when baking
- Precise weight of 4 ounces or 113 grams per stick
Commercial butter sticks provide an easy, consistent unit for baking. This helps recipe creators standardize their ingredients lists so home bakers know exactly how much butter is required.
While you can substitute butter sticks with tablespoons or grams, using sticks directly makes measuring simple and foolproof.
Different Types of Butter Sticks
While all butter sticks in the U.S. contain 4 ounces or 113 grams, the ingredients can vary between types:
Salted Butter
Salted butter contains added salt, typically 1/4 teaspoon salt per stick. It provides a touch of extra flavor and is the most common type called for in recipes. Popular brands like Land O’Lakes have salted butter sticks.
Unsalted Butter
Unsalted butter contains just pure butterfat and no added salt. It’s preferred for cooking and baking when you want full control over the saltiness of a recipe. Brands like Kerrygold provide boxes of unsalted butter sticks.
European-Style Butter
European-style butter has a higher butterfat content than typical American butter. It contains 82-86% butterfat compared to 80% in standard butter sticks. Common brands include Plugrá and Kerrygold. Recipes sometimes specify European butter for richer flavor.
Whipped Butter
Whipped butter has air beaten into it, creating a fluffier, spreadable texture. Since it has less dense butterfat, it cannot be substituted evenly in baking recipes. Whipped butter is best spread on toast or waffles.
Ghee
Ghee is cooked and clarified butter, meaning the milk solids have been removed. It has a rich, nutty flavor and higher smoke point than regular butter. Substitute an equal amount of ghee for regular butter in recipes.
How to Soften Butter from the Fridge
Butter sticks are convenient to use right from the refrigerator. But if a recipe calls for softened or room temperature butter, you need to plan ahead. Here are some tips for softening refrigerated butter quickly:
- Leave sticks on the counter for 1-2 hours until malleable but not melted.
- Use the “defrost” setting on the microwave for 30 second intervals.
- Grate cold butter on a box grater to soften.
- Cut into small cubes to speed softening.
- Submerge the stick in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
Softened butter creams together with sugar much easier than cold butter. It also blends smoothly when beaten into batter.
Equivalents for Butter Measurements
To summarize the key equivalents:
1 Stick of Butter Conversion
- 8 tablespoons
- 1/2 cup or 4 ounces
- 113 grams
1 Tablespoon of Butter Conversion
- 14 grams
1 Cup of Butter Conversion
- 2 sticks
- 16 tablespoons
- 227 grams
So if you only have tablespoons or grams on hand, you can still substitute for stick butter in any recipe. Just use the right butter measurement conversions.
Common Butter Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about sticks of butter:
Why are there 12 tablespoons in 3 sticks of butter (instead of 24)?
You might expect 3 sticks with 8 tablespoons per stick to equal 24 tablespoons. However, 12 tablespoons is the correct amount in 3 sticks.
This is because when cutting butter sticks, each end slice contains less butter due to the tapered shape. So the total tablespoons per stick is slightly less than 8. The standard is 12 tablespoons for every 3 sticks.
Can I substitute margarine for butter in recipes?
It’s best to avoid substituting margarine for butter in baked goods. Margarine contains different fat ratios and more water, which can alter the texture and flavor. Stick with real butter or high-quality butter substitutes like coconut oil.
How long does butter last in the refrigerator?
Refrigerated butter typically lasts 2-3 months past the printed sell-by date. Look for signs of spoilage like mold, off odors, or very soft texture before discarding. For longest shelf life, store butter sticks wrapped in their original packaging.
What temperature should I cream butter and sugar?
For creaming, soften the butter to 65-70°F. This allows it to hold air bubbles and create volume. Beat in the sugar just until light and fluffy. Overbeating can cause the butter to leak fat and turn greasy.
Tips for Baking with Butter
Butter is one of the most important ingredients in baking. Here are some tips for handling and measuring butter:
- Let refrigerated sticks come to room temperature before baking.
- Use cool room temperature butter for creaming – 65-70°F is ideal.
- Cream butter with sugars for 3-5 minutes until soft and fluffy.
- Avoid over-mixing batters once butter is added to prevent dense baked goods.
- Always use unsalted butter unless the recipe calls for salted.
- Use butter straight from the fridge for flaky pie crusts and pastries.
- Brush melted butter on products right before baking for golden color.
With the right techniques, butter makes baked goods tender and delicious. Understanding stick butter equivalents like cups, tablespoons, and grams ensures your recipes turn out perfectly every time.
Conclusion
A full stick of butter contains 8 tablespoons, weighs 113 grams, and equals 1/2 cup. These standardized stick measurements make recipes simpler to follow. Whether you have butter sticks, tablespoons, grams, or volume cups on hand, you can easily substitute using the conversions. Just remember these key takeaways:
- 1 stick of butter = 8 tablespoons
- 1 tablespoon of butter = 14 grams
- 1 cup of butter = 2 sticks
Knowing the equivalents allows you to adapt any recipe. So bake away with confidence by using the right butter amounts!