Teaspoon vs. Tablespoon: Understanding Measurement Units

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When we encounter measurements in recipes, the terms teaspoon vs. tablespoon frequently surface. It’s very important to remember the difference between these two units of measurement and to know how much bigger the one is when compared to the other, because getting them mixed up while cooking can ruin your dish completely.

Teaspoon vs. Tablespoon

  • Teaspoons are smaller units, at 5 milliliters, while tablespoons are larger, holding 15 milliliters.
Teaspoon vs. Tablespoon
Teaspoon vs. Tablespoon – Created by 7ESL

Teaspoon vs. Tablespoon: The Definition

Defining Teaspoon

A teaspoon (tsp) is a unit of volume customarily used in cooking to measure smaller quantities. One teaspoon is approximately:

  • 5 milliliters (ml)
  • 1/3 tablespoon (tbsp)
  • 1/192 US cup

Defining Tablespoon

A tablespoon (tbsp) is a larger unit of volume, which is why we use it for measuring bigger ingredient portions. One tablespoon equates to:

  • 15 milliliters (ml)
  • 3 teaspoons (tsp)
  • 1/16 US cup

Comparing Teaspoon and Tablespoon

A TEASPOON, abbreviated as t or tsp, is a small spoon that is used to stir hot drinks, such as tea or coffee, and its capacity is 5mL. In contrast, a TABLESPOON, abbreviated as T, Tbl, or Tbsp, is a larger spoon that is used to serve and eat different foods, such as spaghetti or soup, and its capacity is 15mL.

The good thing about teaspoons vs tablespoons is that they are units of measurement that are used in almost any recipe, no matter which part of the world it comes from. So, as long as you know the difference between them and keep in mind that three teaspoons can replace one tablespoon, you’re already on your way to preparing amazing food.

One other thing that you need to be aware of is that a recipe can sometimes specify that you need a level or a heaping teaspoon. However, this also is no nuclear physics: level means that you need to shake off the excess of the ingredient before adding it to your dish, while heaping means that the ingredient you’re measuring should be piled onto the spoon.

Adding the wrong amount of salt or of any other ingredient can make your dish look or, what’s even worse, taste bad. Thankfully, this is one problem that can easily be avoided if you memorize how to convert a teaspoon into a tablespoon and vice versa.

Tablespoon vs. Teaspoon Examples

Examples of Tablespoon

  • Mix in two tablespoons of olive oil to the salad dressing.
  • The recipe requires a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for zest.
  • She added a tablespoon of sugar to her tea to sweeten it.
  • For the sauce, start with a tablespoon of butter in the pan.
  • The marinade calls for a tablespoon of soy sauce for umami flavor.
  • Garnish the dish with a tablespoon of chopped cilantro before serving.
  • You’ll need to measure out three tablespoons of flour for the gravy.

Examples of Teaspoon

  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake batter for flavor.
  • He measured a teaspoon of cinnamon to sprinkle on his oatmeal.
  • The recipe called for one teaspoon of salt to enhance the taste.
  • She stirred her coffee with a small teaspoon after adding sugar.
  • The doctor recommended taking a teaspoon of the medicine daily.
  • For the marinade, mix in a teaspoon of ground black pepper.
  • A teaspoon of honey can help soothe a sore throat.
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