Convert cups to teaspoons easily.
1 c x 48 = 48 tsp
Discover other related calculators
Ever found yourself mid-recipe, staring at a measurement that just doesn’t match your tools? You’re not alone. Converting cups to teaspoons is one of those kitchen tasks that seems simple—until you’re holding a cup measure and need to figure out how many teaspoons that translates to. Whether you’re doubling a cookie recipe or scaling down a sauce, understanding this conversion saves time and avoids kitchen disasters.
Unit definitions
What is a cup (c)?
A cup is a standard unit of volume in the US customary system, used extensively in cooking and baking.
- Symbol: c
- Common uses: Measuring liquids (milk, water) or dry ingredients (flour, sugar)
- Definition: 1 US cup = 8 fluid ounces = 16 tablespoons = 237 milliliters
What is a teaspoon (tsp)?
A teaspoon is a smaller unit of volume, often used for spices, baking powder, or vanilla extract.
- Symbol: tsp
- Common uses: Precise measurements of small-quantity ingredients
- Definition: 1 US teaspoon = 1/3 tablespoon = 4.92892 milliliters
Conversion formula
To convert cups to teaspoons:
teaspoons = cups × 48
For example, 2 cups of sugar equal 96 teaspoons (2 × 48). To go the other way:
cups = teaspoons ÷ 48
So, 144 teaspoons of salt would be 3 cups (144 ÷ 48).
Example calculations
- Converting 1.5 cups to teaspoons
1.5 cups × 48 = 72 teaspoons - Converting 120 teaspoons to cups
120 teaspoons ÷ 48 = 2.5 cups
Conversion tables
Cups to teaspoons
| Cups | Teaspoons |
|---|---|
| 1 | 48 |
| 2 | 96 |
| 3 | 144 |
| 4 | 192 |
| 5 | 240 |
| 6 | 288 |
| 7 | 336 |
| 8 | 384 |
| 9 | 432 |
| 10 | 480 |
Teaspoons to cups
| Teaspoons | Cups |
|---|---|
| 48 | 1 |
| 96 | 2 |
| 144 | 3 |
| 192 | 4 |
| 240 | 5 |
| 288 | 6 |
| 336 | 7 |
| 384 | 8 |
| 432 | 9 |
| 480 | 10 |
Historical background
The teaspoon’s history is steeped in cutlery—it literally started as the amount a small spoon could hold. Before standardized measurements, recipes relied on vague terms like “a pinch” or “a teacup.” The US formalized the cup and teaspoon in the 19th century to create consistency, especially as cookbooks became popular. Fannie Farmers 1896 “Boston Cooking-School Cook Book” was pivotal, insisting on level measurements for reliability.
Interesting facts
- Teaspoons vs. tablespoons: Three teaspoons make a tablespoon, but did you know the “table” spoon was named for its use in serving dishes, not measuring?
- Global variations: An Australian tablespoon holds 20ml—their teaspoons are still 5ml, though.
- Baking precision: A 5% error in baking powder (say, using 5 tsp instead of 4.75) can ruin a cake’s rise.
- Apothecary roots: Teaspoons were once used for medicinal doses, hence the emphasis on small volumes.
- DIY hacks: No measuring cups? A US nickel weighs 5 grams—close to a teaspoon of water.
FAQ
There are 48 teaspoons in 1 US cup. This conversion applies to both liquid and dry ingredients.
Cups measure larger quantities efficiently, while teaspoons handle small amounts like spices or baking powder.
For accuracy, use standardized measuring spoons. A regular teaspoon from your drawer might hold 1.5–2x the intended amount.
Multiply 0.75 cups by 48 teaspoons per cup. That gives you 36 teaspoons.
No—the US cup (240ml) differs from the UK/Australian cup (250ml). Always check your recipe’s measurement system.