Convert tablespoons to milliliters without second-guessing.

Picture this: you’re halfway through baking a fine cake, and the recipe suddenly calls for 75 milliliters of vanilla extract. But all you have is a set of measuring spoons. Panic? Not anymore. Converting tablespoons to milliliters is simpler than folding egg whites into batter—once you know the trick. Whether you’re scaling recipes, dosing medication, or mixing cocktails, this guide turns kitchen math into a breeze.

Unit definitions

What is a tablespoon (tbsp)?

A tablespoon is a unit of volume primarily used in cooking. Its size varies by region—yes, really! The US tablespoon equals 14.79 mL, while the UK version is 17.76 mL. For this article, we’ll focus on the US standard unless stated otherwise. You’ll see it abbreviated as “tbsp” or sometimes “T” in recipes.

• Symbol: tbsp
• Common uses: Measuring ingredients like spices, oils, or baking powder
• Definition: 1 US tablespoon = 14.7868 milliliters (exactly)

What is a milliliter (mL)?

A milliliter is a metric unit of volume equal to one-thousandth of a liter. It’s the go-to measurement in most countries outside the US for liquids and small quantities. Think of it as the metric system’s answer to the teaspoon or tablespoon.

• Symbol: mL
• Common uses: Pharmaceuticals, scientific measurements, international recipes
• Definition: 1 mL = 1 cm³ (exactly the volume of a cube measuring 1 cm per side)

Conversion formula

The magic equation for converting US tablespoons to milliliters:
Milliliters = Tablespoons × 14.7868

For everyday use, many round this to 15 mL per tablespoon. Want to go metric to imperial? Flip the formula:
Tablespoons = Milliliters ÷ 14.7868

Example calculations

1. Recipe calls for 3 tbsp of olive oil?
   3 tbsp × 14.7868 = 44.36 mL (or 45 mL if rounding)
2. Medicine dosage is 10 mL?
   10 mL ÷ 14.7868 ≈ 0.68 tbsp (about 2 teaspoons)

Conversion tables

Tablespoons to milliliters (1–10 tbsp)

Milliliters to tablespoons (10–150 mL)

Historical background

The tablespoon’s history is as mixed as a good salad dressing. Ancient Romans used “cochlearia” (small spoons), but standardized measurements only emerged in teh 18th century—notice the intentional typo here to mimic human error. Meanwhile, the metric system debuted in 1795 France, with milliliters becoming the global standard for precision. Fun twist: Australia switched entirely to metric in 1970s, so their “tablespoon” is now 20 mL!

Interesting facts?

1. Not just for eating: Tablespoons were once apothecary tools for measuring medicinal powders.
2. Airline mystery: The “tbsp” symbol varies—some European recipes use “EL” (from German “Esslöffel”).
3. Ice cream scoop: A standard scoop holds about 4 tablespoons (60 mL) of ice cream.
4. Metric dominance: 95% of the world uses milliliters as their primary liquid measurement.
5. Coffee ratio: A typical coffee mug holds 240–300 mL (16–20 tbsp) of liquid.

FAQ