Introduction
If you’ve ever read a recipe that included the abbreviation “tbsp”, you may have wondered what it means. In cooking and baking, accuracy matters, and a small mistake in measurements can ruin a dish. The good news? tbsp simply means tablespoon, one of the most widely used kitchen measurements worldwide.Conversion+Chart
This guide explains exactly what tbsp stands for, how much it equals, and how to convert it into teaspoons, milliliters, and cups.
What Does tbsp Mean?
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tbsp = Tablespoon
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It is a standard measurement used in recipes.
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Instead of writing “tablespoon,” recipes often use the short form tbsp.
Example:
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“Add 2 tbsp of sugar” = “Add 2 tablespoons of sugar.”
How Many Teaspoons in 1 tbsp?
The most common question is how to convert tablespoons into teaspoons.
✅ 1 tbsp = 3 tsp (teaspoons)
So, if a recipe asks for 2 tbsp, it equals 6 teaspoons.
tbsp to ml Conversion (Metric)
Different countries may have slight variations, but the standard conversion is:Conversion+Chart
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1 tbsp = 15 ml (milliliters)
Tablespoons (tbsp) | Milliliters (ml) |
---|---|
1 tbsp | 15 ml |
2 tbsp | 30 ml |
3 tbsp | 45 ml |
4 tbsp | 60 ml |
5 tbsp | 75 ml |
tbsp to Cups Conversion
Sometimes recipes use cups instead of tablespoons. Here’s the quick conversion:Conversion+Chart
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16 tbsp = 1 cup
Tablespoons (tbsp) | Cups |
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1 tbsp | 1/16 cup |
4 tbsp | 1/4 cup |
8 tbsp | 1/2 cup |
12 tbsp | 3/4 cup |
16 tbsp | 1 cup |
Common Uses of tbsp in Cooking
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Measuring spices and herbs
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Adding sugar, salt, or oil
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Mixing sauces and dressings
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Baking ingredients like butter or flour
FAQs About tbsp
Q1: Is tbsp the same worldwide?
👉 Mostly yes, but in some countries (like Australia), 1 tbsp = 20 ml instead of 15 ml.
Q2: Can I replace tbsp with tsp?
👉 Yes, but remember: 1 tbsp = 3 tsp.
Q3: How many tbsp in 1/2 cup?
👉 1/2 cup = 8 tbsp.
Conclusion
The abbreviation tbsp stands for tablespoon, a vital unit of measurement in cooking and baking. Knowing how to convert tablespoons into teaspoons, milliliters, and cups helps you follow recipes accurately and avoid mistakes.Conversion+Chart
So next time you see tbsp, you’ll know exactly what it means—and how to measure it!