When it comes to measuring ingredients for cooking and baking, two of the most common units used are tablespoons and milliliters (ml). Many recipes will provide measurements in both tablespoons and ml. But are they equivalent amounts? Is 1 tablespoon really the same as 5ml?
The quick answer is yes, 1 tablespoon is generally equivalent to 5ml. However, there are some caveats to keep in mind. In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at the tablespoon-to-ml conversion, when they may not be exactly equivalent, and how to accurately convert between them.
Defining the Tablespoon and Milliliter
To understand whether 1 tablespoon equals 5ml, we first need to understand exactly what a tablespoon and milliliter represent as units of measurement.
A tablespoon, abbreviated Tbsp or Tbs, is a unit of volume typically used in cooking recipes and measuring food ingredients. One tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons or 1/2 fluid ounce. In the U.S. Customary System of measurement, the tablespoon is a standardized unit equal to exactly 15 ml.
A milliliter, abbreviated ml, is a unit of volume in the Metric System used for measuring liquids. One ml equals one cubic centimeter. There are 1000 ml in 1 liter. The milliliter allows for very precise measurements of small amounts of liquids.
So in both the U.S. Customary units and Metric units, the tablespoon and milliliter are standardized units for measuring volume, with the milliliter allowing for more precision on a smaller scale.
The Tablespoon-to-Milliliter Conversion
Since a U.S. tablespoon is defined as exactly 15 ml, it logically follows that 1 tablespoon is equivalent to 15 ml.
To be more precise based on the common measurements used in recipes:
- 1 tablespoon (Tbs) = 15 ml
- 1/2 tablespoon (1/2 Tbs) = 7.5 ml
- 1 teaspoon (tsp) = 5 ml
- 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) = 2.5 ml
So if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of an ingredient, you can measure out 15ml of that ingredient instead using a measuring spoon or liquid measuring cup.
Converting Multiple Tablespoons to Milliliters
The conversion remains the same for larger or smaller amounts:
- 2 tablespoons (Tbs) = 30 ml
- 3 tablespoons (Tbs) = 45 ml
- 1/4 tablespoon = 3.75 ml
- 1/8 tablespoon = 1.875 ml
To convert any number of tablespoons to milliliters, simply multiply the number of tablespoons by 15 ml.
For example:
4 tablespoons x 15 ml per tablespoon = 60 ml
So 4 tablespoons equals 60 ml.
When Tablespoon and Milliliter Measurements May Differ
While the standardized conversion is 1 tablespoon = 15 ml, there are certain scenarios where tablespoons and milliliters may not be perfectly equivalent:
1. Measuring Accuracy of Household Spoons
One issue is the potential inaccuracy of household tablespoon measuring spoons. The accuracy of a spoon measurement can vary based on factors like:
- Quality of the spoon set
- Wear and tear over time
- Heaping or leveling off measurements
For example, an imprecisely made tablespoon could hold 14 ml or 16 ml rather than 15 ml. Heaping a tablespoon full of an ingredient instead of leveling it off can add even more volume.
High quality measuring spoon sets will provide more accuracy. But even then, some discrepancy is possible over years of use causing wear and tear.
2. Type of Ingredient Being Measured
The type of ingredient being measured can also cause slight variations between tablespoon and milliliter amounts.
For example, 1 tablespoon of water will be more precisely 15 ml. But 1 tablespoon of flour may weight slightly more or less than 15 ml depending on how densely it is packed. Sprinkle on flakes may measure significantly less than 15 ml per tablespoon.
So while the conversion will be very close for most ingredients, there can be some small variations.
3. Ambiguity in Recipe Terminology
Sometimes ambiguity in recipe terminology can lead to confusion between tablespoons and milliliters.
A recipe may simply call for a generic “tablespoon” or “teaspoon” amount, without specifying whether it is US Customary or Metric units. Some international recipes may default to Metric units instead. So in these cases, it’s important to verify which system the recipe is using to know if the tablespoon conversion is exactly 15 ml or not.
There can also be ambiguity in abbreviations like “Tb” or “tsp” which could refer to either system. Always check the recipe instructions for clarity.
4. Regional Differences in Definition
While a U.S. tablespoon is defined as exactly 15 ml, this is not standardized worldwide. Other countries may define a “tablespoon” as 10-20 ml.
For example, in Australia a tablespoon is 4 teaspoons or 20 ml. So recipes from different countries may have slight differences in the tablespoon-to-ml conversion.
Converting Recipe Measurements Accurately
To successfully substitute tablespoons and milliliters in a recipe, keep these tips in mind:
- Use high quality measuring spoons or cups with leveling tools for best accuracy.
- Verify if the recipe is using US Customary or Metric units before converting.
- For liquids like water, the conversion will be very precise. For dry goods, there may be small variations.
- Make sure abbreviations like “Tbs” or “tsp” refer to the intended system.
- Look out for regional differences in tablespoon definitions for recipes from other countries.
- When in doubt, double check any tablespoon to ml conversions.
Converting can introduce small margins of error, so being meticulous in your measurements and verification will ensure best results.
Tips for Measuring Tablespoons vs. Milliliters Precisely
To take your ingredient measuring skills to the next level, follow these tips when working with tablespoons and milliliters:
Use Liquid Measuring Cups for Milliliters
Glass or plastic liquid measuring cups allow you to precisely measure out milliliters of liquids like water, milk, or oil. Look for cups with clear ml gradations.
Use Digital Kitchen Scales for Dry Ingredients
Digital kitchen scales that switch between standard and metric units can measure dry ingredients like flour down to the gram to substitute for tablespoons.
For example, 15 ml of flour equals about 8 grams.
Invest in High Quality Measuring Spoons
Stainless steel measuring spoons that lay flat for leveling ingredients will give you the most standard tablespoon and teaspoon amounts.
Level off Ingredients for Accuracy
Gently sweeping off excess ingredients with a straight edge helps ensure you’re measuring the proper volume amount for any spoon measurements.
Double Check Ambiguous Tablespoon Amounts
Anytime a recipe just says “1 tablespoon” without the unit specified, double check whether it is referring to a 15 ml tablespoon or potentially another regional definition before substituting ml.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do recipes use both tablespoons and ml?
Recipes often include tbsp and ml amounts to appeal to home cooks familiar with either US Customary or Metric measurements. Providing both helps ensure most readers will have the needed measuring tools.
Can I use tablespoons in baking recipes?
Baking recipes require very precise ingredient measurements, so tbsp are often too imprecise. Use digital scales and ml amounts for best results with baking recipes when possible.
What’s the best tool for measuring tablespoons?
High quality, sturdy stainless steel measuring spoons that lay flat for leveling ingredients will provide the most accurate tbsp measurements.
Should I heap or level off tablespoon measurements?
For accuracy, ingredients should be gently leveled off to fill the tablespoon rather than heaping. Heaping can increase the volume beyond the standard 15 ml.
Why are there 3 teaspoons in 1 tablespoon?
Since a teaspoon is 5 ml and a tablespoon is 15 ml, three teaspoons equal 15 ml for this convenient conversion.
Conclusion
While 1 tablespoon is designed to equal 15 milliliters, there are a variety of factors that can introduce slight measurement variations in practice. However, these two units give home cooks great options for measuring out recipe ingredients precisely.
Using high quality kitchen tools, verifying recipe units, leveling off dry ingredients, and double checking ambiguous amounts will help ensure your tablespoons and milliliters are as equivalent as possible for recipe success.
