1 US customary cup = 16 US tablespoons. Use matching standards when you measure a smaller quantity. Source: USDA ARS conversion tables.
Cup and tablespoon converter
US cups to tablespoons and teaspoons
A US customary cup holds 16 US tablespoons or 48 US teaspoons. A quarter cup gives 4 US tablespoons, which is often easier to measure in a small batch.
| US customary cups | US tbsp | US tsp |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 12 | |
| ≈ 5.3333 | 16 | |
| 8 | 24 | |
| ≈ 10.6667 | 32 | |
| 12 | 36 | |
| 16 | 48 | |
| 24 | 72 | |
| 32 | 96 |
For a metric or Australian recipe, choose the matching spoon standard. Australian tablespoons are 20 mL.
A useful conversion for small batches
If you need a fraction of a cup and only have measuring spoons, enter the fraction and select the units on your tools. You can type 1/4, 3/4, or a mixed number such as 1 1/2. Use the direction control to start with tablespoons instead.
Use a measuring tablespoon with a known capacity. The spoon you eat with does not identify a conversion standard.
Why the tablespoon setting matters
The US customary tablespoon and the 15 mL metric tablespoon are separate units. The familiar 16-to-1 relationship applies to US customary cups and US tablespoons. Changing either unit changes the relationship; a metric cup should not silently inherit the same ratio. Unicode CLDR lists these units separately.
Check the recipe’s measurement notes and the markings on your spoon set. If the stated spoon capacity is not offered in this calculator, use the recipe’s volume information instead of choosing the nearest name.
Keep the measurement method
Converting cup volume to spoon volume does not establish ingredient weight or specify how firmly to fill the spoon. Follow the recipe’s instructions for level, rounded, or packed measures.
Need a smaller spoon? Continue to tablespoons to teaspoons. Need a scale reading? Use cups to grams by ingredient.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure ¼ cup for a small batch of salad dressing?
For matching US customary cups and tablespoons, use 4 tablespoons. Check the spoon marking before measuring.
Is an Australian tablespoon the same size?
No. An Australian tablespoon is 20 mL. Select it explicitly when you need that spoon standard.