The Quick Answer
A teaspoon is 5 ml. A tablespoon, on the other hand, is 15 ml or 3 teaspoons. This difference between teaspoons and tablespoons is important to keep in mind when following recipes. Using the wrong measure can lead to baking disasters!
Measuring Spoons
Measuring spoons are specially designed spoons used to measure out ingredients for cooking and baking. They come in sets that include:
- 1⁄4 teaspoon
- 1⁄2 teaspoon
- 1 teaspoon
- 1⁄2 tablespoon
- 1 tablespoon
The most common sizes are the 1⁄4 teaspoon, 1⁄2 teaspoon, and 1 teaspoon.
Measuring spoons often have the abbreviation “tsp” or “tbsp” etched into the handle to identify the spoon size. They are designed to provide precise measures for recipes. When carefully leveled off, a teaspoon will consistently measure 5 ml and a tablespoon 15 ml.
Teaspoon Measurement
A teaspoon is designed to measure exactly 5 ml of liquid or a dry ingredient. 5 ml is the equivalent of:
- 1/3 tablespoon
- 1/48 cup (or 0.104 cups)
- 1/6 fluid ounce
- 0.169 US customary fluid drams
So if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, baking powder, or any other ingredient, you should use a measuring spoon that holds precisely 5 ml.
When measuring dry ingredients like flour or sugar, it’s important to level off the top with a straight edge like the back of a knife. This prevents overpacking the teaspoon and adding too much of the ingredient.
For liquids like milk or oil, fill the spoon to the very top without overflowing. The surface tension of the liquid will create a meniscus dome shape above the rim.
Why 5 ml?
The teaspoon has been standardized at 5 ml to allow for easier conversion between metric and US customary units.
Here is how the teaspoon measurement of 5 ml converts to other units:
| 1 teaspoon | 5 ml |
| 1/6 fluid ounce | 5 ml |
| 0.169 US fluid drams | 5 ml |
As you can see, 5 ml provides a tidy conversion to teaspoons in the US customary system. This standardization occurred in 1958 when international standards organizations redefined the teaspoon from 4 ml to 5 ml.
So modern measuring spoons are designed to meet this 5 ml standard. Using today’s measuring spoons, you can be assured that 1tsp = 5 ml exactly.
When to Use a Teaspoon
Here are some examples of when to use a teaspoon in cooking:
- Measuring small amounts of spices like cinnamon, oregano, or garlic powder
- Adding extracts like vanilla, almond, or peppermint
- Measuring baking powder or baking soda for recipes
- Portioning out salad dressings or condiments
- Measuring herbs like thyme or rosemary
- Measuring food coloring
- Adding small amounts of salt
- Measuring flavorings like lemon juice or vinegar
Basically, a teaspoon is used whenever a recipe calls for a small quantity of ingredients – typically under 1 tablespoon. The teaspoon allows you to precisely measure out the 5 ml needed.
Teaspoons for Cooking vs. Eating
It’s important to distinguish between measuring teaspoons and regular eating/drinking teaspoons.
Measuring spoons are designed specifically for accuracy. They contain exactly 5 ml.
Regular spoons for stirring coffee or eating soup can vary quite a bit in size. They may look like a measuring teaspoon but hold more or less. So they cannot be used interchangeably for recipes.
When a recipe is developed, it is tested using proper measuring spoons. So for best results, always use the measuring spoons with the “tsp” label when cooking. Don’t use random spoons from your silverware drawer – they likely won’t measure correctly.
Metric Conversions
For worldwide standardization, most published recipes today provide measurements in both US customary units and metric units.
Here are some handy conversions to know:
- 1 teaspoon = 5 ml
- 1 tablespoon (tbsp) = 15 ml
- 1 fluid ounce (fl oz) = 30 ml
- 1 cup = 240 ml
So if you ever need to substitute metric measurements in a recipe, you can use those conversion ratios.
Metric and US customary measurements are not always exact matches, but they are close enough for most cooking and baking purposes.
Special Measuring Spoons
While standard measuring spoons are most common, there are a few special types of measuring spoons to be aware of:
Adjustable measuring spoons – These spoons have a sliding piece that allows you to set the spoon to different measurements. This provides a complete set in one adjustable spoon.
Mini measuring spoons – As the name implies, these are extra small spoons for measuring 1/8 tsp or smaller amounts. They are handy for getting precise measurements of ingredients like salt or baking soda.
Double-ended measuring spoons – These have a measuring cup on one end and a teaspoon or tablespoon on the other end. It combines two types of measuring tools in one.
Proper Use of Measuring Spoons
To accurately measure ingredients with measuring spoons:
- Use the right spoon for the measurement – don’t substitute 1⁄2 tbsp for 1 1⁄2 tsp
- Level off dry ingredients like flour with a knife
- Fill spoons to the top for liquids like extracts
- Don’t “scoop” with the spoon – this packs in too much
- Work over a surface like a bowl to catch spills
By carefully using proper technique, you can ensure your baked goods and dishes come out perfectly. Memorizing the 5 ml teaspoon measurement and using the right spoon size for recipes will help prevent kitchen mishaps.
Common Baking Measurements
For baking recipes, there are certain measurement equivalents that are good to know by heart:
- 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon
- 4 tablespoons = 1⁄4 cup
- 8 tablespoons = 1⁄2 cup
- 16 tablespoons = 1 cup
These come in handy when you need to convert a recipe measurement. Now you can easily substitute tablespoons for teaspoons and vice versa. No more guessing!
Measuring Cups vs. Spoons
In the kitchen, measuring cups and spoons work as a team. Cups are used to measure larger quantities while spoons measure small amounts.
Here is a simple guide:
Measuring Cups
- Measure ingredients in quantities of 1⁄4 cup, 1⁄3 cup, 1⁄2 cup, and 1 cup
- Typically used for liquids and bulk ingredients like flour or sugar
- Provide measurements from 1 tablespoon up to several cups
Measuring Spoons
- Measure small amounts from 1⁄4 teaspoon up to 1 tablespoon
- Used for spices, baking soda/powder, extracts, food coloring, etc.
- Provide measurements from 1⁄8 teaspoon up to 1 tablespoon
So measuring cups handle the “big portions” while spoons take care of the “pinch of this” and “dash of that.” Both tools have their place in stocking your kitchen for baking success.
Conclusion
While similar in name, there is an important difference between a teaspoon and a tablespoon. A teaspoon is 5 ml while a tablespoon is 15 ml – three times larger. This distinction matters when following recipes.
So always pay close attention to the measurement abbreviations “tsp” and “tbsp.” Using the proper measuring spoons for each ingredient is crucial for success in the kitchen!
