When it comes to measuring ingredients for cooking and baking, it’s important to know how to convert between different units of measurement. Two of the most common units used, especially for smaller amounts, are teaspoons and tablespoons. So how many tablespoons are in 4 teaspoons? Let’s take a closer look.
The Basics of Teaspoons and Tablespoons
First, let’s review the basics:
- 1 teaspoon (tsp) = 5 milliliters (mL)
- 1 tablespoon (Tbsp) = 3 teaspoons = 15 mL
Knowing these equivalents allows us to convert back and forth between the two units. A teaspoon is a smaller unit, while a tablespoon is larger. So to convert teaspoons to tablespoons, we’ll need to calculate how many teaspoons fit into one tablespoon.
Converting 4 Teaspoons to Tablespoons
Since 1 tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons, we can determine that:
4 teaspoons = 1 1/3 tablespoons
To show the work:
- 1 Tbsp = 3 tsp
- 4 tsp / 3 tsp per Tbsp = 1 1/3 Tbsp
So 4 teaspoons is equal to 1 full tablespoon plus 1 additional teaspoon, or 1 1/3 tablespoons.
Using Ratios and Proportions to Convert
We can also use ratios and proportions to convert between teaspoons and tablespoons:
- 1 Tbsp / 3 tsp = 1
- 4 tsp / x Tbsp = 1
- Cross multiply: (4 tsp) * (1 Tbsp) = (3 tsp) * (x Tbsp)
- 4 Tbsp = 3x
- x = 4/3 Tbsp = 1 1/3 Tbsp
Using proportions confirms that 4 tsp = 1 1/3 Tbsp.
Converting Other Measurements
The same principle applies when converting other measurements between teaspoons and tablespoons:
| Teaspoons | Tablespoons |
|---|---|
| 1 tsp | 1/3 Tbsp |
| 2 tsp | 2/3 Tbsp |
| 5 tsp | 1 2/3 Tbsp |
| 6 tsp | 2 Tbsp |
| 9 tsp | 3 Tbsp |
| 12 tsp | 4 Tbsp |
As you can see, for every 3 tsp, there is 1 Tbsp. So we simply divide the number of tsp by 3 to get the number of Tbsp.
Converting Between Milliliters and Teaspoons/Tablespoons
Since 1 tsp = 5 mL and 1 Tbsp = 15 mL, we can use these conversions to go between milliliters and teaspoons/tablespoons:
- 1 tsp = 5 mL
- 2 tsp = 10 mL
- 3 tsp (1 Tbsp) = 15 mL
- 4 tsp = 20 mL
- 5 tsp = 25 mL
- 6 tsp (2 Tbsp) = 30 mL
To go from mL to tsp or Tbsp:
- 10 mL / 5 mL per tsp = 2 tsp
- 30 mL / 15 mL per Tbsp = 2 Tbsp
Using Conversion Tools to Convert Teaspoons and Tablespoons
There are also many helpful conversion tools online that you can use to convert between teaspoons, tablespoons, and milliliters:
- Google’s built-in unit converter
- Online converters like ConvertUnits
- Converter apps for your phone or tablet
- Measurement conversion charts
These tools make converting units quick and easy. They help eliminate the need to memorize conversions or do math.
Tips for Measuring Teaspoons and Tablespoons Accurately
When actually measuring out teaspoons and tablespoons to cook or bake, keep these tips in mind for accuracy:
- Use measuring spoons designed for the specific unit – don’t substitute a 1/4 tsp for 1 tsp.
- Level off ingredients like sugar or flour with a straight edge like the back of a knife.
- For sticky ingredients like honey or molasses, coat the measuring spoon with nonstick spray first.
- When dividing tablespoons or teaspoons, use an actual 1/3 or 1/2 tsp measure.
- Measure over a surface like a bowl to catch any spills.
Examples of Using Teaspoon and Tablespoon Conversions
Here are some examples of when you may need to convert teaspoons to tablespoons or vice versa while cooking:
- Recipes: Many recipes will list ingredients in teaspoons but you may want to use a tablespoon instead to measure out a larger quantity.
- Substitutions: If you need to substitute cornstarch but a recipe calls for flour, you’ll need to determine how many teaspoons of cornstarch equals the tablespoons of flour.
- Scaling recipes: Converting between teaspoons and tablespoons allows you to easily double or halve a recipe.
- Precision: Measuring by teaspoons instead of tablespoons (or milliliters) allows more precise measurement for small amounts of potent ingredients like baking soda.
The Takeaway on Converting Teaspoons and Tablespoons
The basic conversions to remember when going between teaspoons and tablespoons are:
- 1 teaspoon (tsp) = 5 mL
- 1 tablespoon (Tbsp) = 3 tsp = 15 mL
So for 4 tsp:
4 tsp = 1 1/3 Tbsp
You can use simple division, ratios, online tools, or conversion charts to quickly convert teaspoon and tablespoon measurements for your cooking and baking needs.
