How many tablespoons are in a cup? (with chart)
Quick answer: there are 16 tablespoons in 1 US cup. To convert cups to tablespoons, multiply by 16. To convert tablespoons to cups, divide by 16.
Cups to tablespoons chart
| Cup measure | Tablespoons | Teaspoons |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 cup | 2 tbsp | 6 tsp |
| 1/4 cup | 4 tbsp | 12 tsp |
| 1/3 cup | 5 tbsp + 1 tsp | 16 tsp |
| 3/8 cup | 6 tbsp | 18 tsp |
| 1/2 cup | 8 tbsp | 24 tsp |
| 2/3 cup | 10 tbsp + 2 tsp | 32 tsp |
| 3/4 cup | 12 tbsp | 36 tsp |
| 1 cup | 16 tbsp | 48 tsp |
The thirds are the awkward ones. One third of 16 is 5.33, and a third of a tablespoon is exactly one teaspoon, so 1/3 cup is 5 level tablespoons plus 1 level teaspoon.
Does it matter what I am measuring?
No. Cups and tablespoons both measure volume, so the ratio is the same for water, flour, oil or honey. What changes with the ingredient is the weight. A cup of flour and a cup of honey hold the same volume but weigh very different amounts. See why cups do not convert to a single weight in grams.
Tablespoons in metric
A US tablespoon is about 14.79 ml, which cooks round to 15 ml. A US cup is 236.6 ml, so 16 tablespoons is 236.6 ml. Recipes from countries that use a 250 ml cup do not follow the 16-to-1 rule exactly. Read US cup vs metric cup vs UK cup if a recipe seems off.
Butter and tablespoons
Butter is sold in sticks with tablespoon marks on the wrapper. One US stick is 8 tablespoons, which is 1/2 cup. Two sticks make one cup, or 16 tablespoons. More in how many tablespoons are in a stick of butter.
Frequently asked questions
How many tablespoons are in half a cup? 8.
How many tablespoons are in a quarter cup? 4.
How many tablespoons are in 1/3 cup? 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon.
How many fluid ounces are in a tablespoon? Half a fluid ounce, so 2 tablespoons make 1 fluid ounce.
Use our cups to tablespoons converter or the tablespoons to cups converter for any other amount.