Convert US tablespoons to milliliters easily.
1 tbsp x 14.7868 = 14.7868 mL
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Ever tried making a British scone recipe only to realize their "tablespoon" isn’t the same as yours? Or maybe you’ve stared at a European cookbook wondering how 20 mL of vanilla translates to your measuring spoons. Converting US tablespoons to milliliters isn’t just math—it’s the secret to nailing recipes across borders. Let’s break it down so you can cook, bake, and mix with confidence, whether you’re whipping up pancakes or experimenting with homemade syrups.
Unit definitions
What is a US tablespoon (tbsp)?
A US tablespoon is a unit of volume primarily used in cooking. Here’s the scoop:
- Symbol: tbsp or T
- Common uses: Measuring ingredients like oil, sugar, or spices
- Definition: 1 US tablespoon = 14.7868 milliliters (exactly)
Fun tidbit: The FDA rounds this to 15 mL for nutrition labels, which explains why your measuring spoons might feel slightly off.
What is a milliliter (mL)?
A milliliter is a metric unit of volume. Think of it as the tiny sibling of the liter:
- Symbol: mL
- Common uses: Pharmaceuticals, scientific measurements, and international recipes
- Definition: 1 mL = 0.001 liters (or 1 cubic centimeter)
Conversion formula
To convert US tablespoons to milliliters:
milliliters = tablespoons × 14.7868
For quick mental math, most folks use 15 mL per tablespoon. Just know that this introduces a 0.2% error—negligible for casual cooking but noticeable in baking.
Example calculations
Example 1: Convert 2 US tablespoons to mL
2 tbsp × 14.7868 = 29.57 mL
(Your pancake batter just got more precise.)
Example 2: Convert 5.5 US tablespoons to mL
5.5 × 14.7868 = 81.33 mL
(Perfect for scaling up salad dressings.)
Conversion tables
US tablespoons to milliliters
| Tablespoons | Milliliters |
|---|---|
| 1 | 14.79 |
| 2 | 29.57 |
| 3 | 44.36 |
| 4 | 59.15 |
| 5 | 73.93 |
| 6 | 88.72 |
| 7 | 103.51 |
| 8 | 118.29 |
| 9 | 133.08 |
| 10 | 147.87 |
Milliliters to US tablespoons
| Milliliters | Tablespoons |
|---|---|
| 10 | 0.68 |
| 20 | 1.35 |
| 30 | 2.03 |
| 40 | 2.71 |
| 50 | 3.38 |
| 60 | 4.06 |
| 70 | 4.73 |
| 80 | 5.41 |
| 90 | 6.09 |
| 100 | 6.76 |
Historical background
The US tablespoon became standardized in teh 19th century as part of the US customary system, which evolved from older British units. Meanwhile, milliliters emerged from the metric system’s 1790s French origins. Despite global metric adoption, the US clings to tablespoons—partly due to cultural inertia and partly because Grandma’s cookie recipes would sound weird in grams.
Interesting facts
- Baking is chemistry: A 2% error in measuring baking soda can flatten your cake. Milliliters reduce all the guesswork.
- The “tablespoon” size war: Australia uses 20 mL tablespoons. Always check where your recipe’s from!
- Medieval roots: The word “tablespoon” comes from “table” + “spoon,” distinguishing it from smaller tea or soup spoons.
- Space-age metrics: NASA uses milliliters exclusively. Even astronauts need precise coffee measurements.
- The tablespoon loophole: Some US “tablespoons” are actually 14.2 mL. Check your spoons markings!
FAQ
Yes! A US tablespoon is 14.8 mL, while a UK tablespoon is 17.7 mL. Always check recipe origins to avoid measurement errors.
Absolutely, but ensure ingredients are leveled off for accuracy. Density varies, so weight measurements are better for precision.
3 US tablespoons equal 44.36 mL (3 x 14.7868). Most measuring spoons round this to 45 mL for simplicity.
Metric units like milliliters offer consistency across scales, reducing errors when doubling or halving recipes.
No—many countries list ingredients by weight (grams) or volume (mL). Tablespoons are common in US, Australian, and Canadian recipes.