Cups to Tablespoons Conversion Calculator (c to tbsp)
Convert cups to tablespoons instantly with our calculator and conversion charts. Includes quick buttons for common amounts and practical cooking tips
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Chef Steven Harty
Professional Chef
30+ years experience
30+ years professional experience, trained under Rick Bayless. Specializes in precision cooking.
Education
Culinary Training under Chef Rick Bayless
Quick Answer
1 cup equals exactly 16 tablespoons. This is the standard US measurement conversion for both liquid and dry ingredients. Quick conversions: 1/2 cup = 8 tbsp | 1/4 cup = 4 tbsp | 2 cups = 32 tbsp
Complete Conversion Chart
| Cups | Tablespoons | Teaspoons | Fluid Ounces |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 cup | 2 tablespoons | 6 teaspoons | 1 fl oz |
| 1/4 cup | 4 tablespoons | 12 teaspoons | 2 fl oz |
| 1/3 cup | 5.33 tablespoons | 16 teaspoons | 2.67 fl oz |
| 1/2 cup | 8 tablespoons | 24 teaspoons | 4 fl oz |
| 2/3 cup | 10.67 tablespoons | 32 teaspoons | 5.33 fl oz |
| 3/4 cup | 12 tablespoons | 36 teaspoons | 6 fl oz |
| 1 cup | 16 tablespoons | 48 teaspoons | 8 fl oz |
| 1.5 cups | 24 tablespoons | 72 teaspoons | 12 fl oz |
| 2 cups | 32 tablespoons | 96 teaspoons | 16 fl oz |
| 3 cups | 48 tablespoons | 144 teaspoons | 24 fl oz |
| 4 cups | 64 tablespoons | 192 teaspoons | 32 fl oz |
The Math Behind the Conversion
Basic Conversion Formula:
1 cup = 16 tablespoons
Tablespoons = Cups × 16
Example: 2 cups × 16 = 32 tablespoons
Explanation:
The relationship between cups and tablespoons is based on the US customary measurement system. Since there are 16 tablespoons in 1 cup, you simply multiply the number of cups by 16 to get the equivalent in tablespoons.
Step-by-Step Conversion:
- 1. Count your cups
- 2. Multiply by 16
- 3. Result is tablespoons
Example Calculations:
- • 1/2 cup: 0.5 × 16 = 8 tablespoons
- • 3/4 cup: 0.75 × 16 = 12 tablespoons
- • 1.5 cups: 1.5 × 16 = 24 tablespoons
Common Conversions Explained
How Many Tablespoons in a Cup?
There are exactly 16 tablespoons in 1 cup. This conversion is fundamental to US cooking measurements and applies to both liquid and dry ingredients. Whether you're measuring flour, sugar, water, or oil, 1 cup always equals 16 tablespoons.
Why it matters:
- • Most fundamental conversion
- • Base for all other calculations
- • Universal across ingredients
- • Standard in US recipes
How Many Tablespoons in 2 Cups?
2 cups equal 32 tablespoons. This is calculated by multiplying 2 × 16 = 32. This conversion is commonly needed when scaling recipes up or down.
Practical applications:
- • Recipe doubling
- • Meal prep portions
- • Bulk cooking
- • Large batch baking
How Many Tablespoons in Half a Cup?
Half a cup (1/2 cup) equals 8 tablespoons. This is one of the most frequently used conversions in baking, as many recipes call for 1/2 cup of ingredients like butter, oil, or sugar.
Common uses:
- • 1 stick butter = 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons
- • Half portions
- • Small batch recipes
- • Quick measurement reference
Practical Kitchen Tips
Use Proper Measuring Cups
Invest in quality measuring cups (both dry and liquid). For dry ingredients, use nested measuring cups and level with a knife. For liquids, use glass measuring cups with spouts and check at eye level.
When to Convert to Tablespoons
Converting cups to tablespoons is useful when you need smaller increments, don't have the right measuring cup size, or when dividing ingredients for meal prep. Remember: 1/4 cup = 4 tbsp is the most common conversion.
Butter Measurement Trick
Remember: 1 cup = 2 sticks of butter = 16 tablespoons. Each stick has markings for tablespoons, making it easy to cut exact amounts. Half a cup (8 tablespoons) is exactly one stick of butter.
Weight is More Accurate
For baking precision, use a kitchen scale to measure by weight (grams or ounces) instead of volume. This eliminates measurement variations and provides consistent results every time you bake.
1 Cup = 16 Tablespoons by Weight
| Ingredient | 1 Cup = 16 Tablespoons | Weight (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 16 tablespoons | 120g (4.25 oz) |
| Granulated sugar | 16 tablespoons | 200g (7.05 oz) |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 16 tablespoons | 220g (7.76 oz) |
| Butter | 16 tablespoons | 227g (8 oz / 2 sticks) |
| Water/Milk | 16 tablespoons | 240ml (8.11 fl oz) |
| Vegetable oil | 16 tablespoons | 218ml (7.37 fl oz) |
| Powdered sugar | 16 tablespoons | 120g (4.23 oz) |
| Cocoa powder | 16 tablespoons | 85g (3 oz) |
| Honey | 16 tablespoons | 340g (12 oz) |
| Peanut butter | 16 tablespoons | 260g (9.17 oz) |
Note: While volume stays constant (16 tablespoons = 1 cup), weight varies by ingredient density. Use these weights for more accurate baking results.
International Measurements
⚠️ Important Note
This calculator uses US customary measurements. If you're using recipes from other countries, be aware that measurements may differ. Always check which measurement system your recipe uses.
🇺🇸 United States
- 1 tablespoon = 14.79 mL
- 1 cup = 236.59 mL (8 fl oz)
- 1 cup = 16 tablespoons
Standard measurements used in this calculator
📐 Metric (International)
- 1 tablespoon = 15 mL
- 1 cup = 250 mL
- 1 cup = 16.67 tablespoons
Used in most of the world except US, UK, and Australia
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- 1 tablespoon = 17.76 mL
- 1 cup = 284.13 mL (10 fl oz)
- 1 cup = 16 tablespoons (approx)
Imperial measurements differ slightly from US
🇦🇺 Australia
- 1 tablespoon = 20 mL
- 1 cup = 250 mL
- 1 cup = 12.5 tablespoons
Larger tablespoon size than US and UK
📌 Conversion Tips:
- • When converting international recipes to US measurements, use an online converter for best results
- • Australian tablespoons are significantly larger (20 mL vs 15 mL)
- • UK cups are larger than US cups (284 mL vs 237 mL)
- • For baking precision, measure by weight (grams) when possible
Related Resources
Tablespoons to Cups Calculator
Convert tablespoons to cups with our reverse calculator and quick reference charts
Convert Tablespoons → CupsHow Many Tablespoons in 1/4 Cup?
Complete guide to quarter cup measurements with detailed conversions
View Quarter Cup Guide →Complete Cooking Conversions
Full collection of cooking measurement calculators and conversion guides
Browse All Tools →Frequently Asked Questions
How many tablespoons in a cup?
There are exactly 16 tablespoons in 1 cup. This is a standard US measurement conversion that applies to both liquid and dry ingredients. This ratio is the foundation for all cup-to-tablespoon conversions.
How many tablespoons in 2 cups?
2 cups equal 32 tablespoons. Calculate this by multiplying 2 × 16 = 32 tablespoons. This conversion is useful when doubling recipes or working with larger ingredient quantities.
How many tablespoons in half a cup?
Half a cup (1/2 cup) equals 8 tablespoons. This is calculated as 0.5 × 16 = 8 tablespoons. This is one of the most commonly used conversions, especially for butter (1 stick = 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons).
How do you convert cups to tablespoons?
To convert cups to tablespoons, multiply the number of cups by 16. The formula is: Tablespoons = Cups × 16. For example, 3 cups × 16 = 48 tablespoons. This formula works for any amount.
How many tablespoons in 1/4 cup?
1/4 cup equals 4 tablespoons. You can calculate this as 0.25 × 16 = 4 tablespoons. This is a very common conversion used throughout cooking and baking. Learn more about quarter cup conversions.
How many tablespoons in 3 cups?
3 cups equal 48 tablespoons. Calculate this by multiplying 3 × 16 = 48 tablespoons. This conversion is useful for larger recipe quantities or batch cooking.
How many tablespoons in 1/3 cup?
1/3 cup equals approximately 5.33 tablespoons. Calculate as 0.333 × 16 = 5.33 tablespoons. For practical measuring, use 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon (which equals 5.33 tablespoons).
How many cups in 16 tablespoons?
This is the reverse conversion: 16 tablespoons equal 1 cup. If you need to convert tablespoons to cups instead, use our Tablespoons to Cups Calculator.
Chef Steven Harty
Professional Chef | 30+ Years Experience
Chef Harty brings over 30 years of professional culinary experience, having trained under renowned chef Rick Bayless. He specializes in precision cooking and measurement accuracy, ensuring all our cooking conversions and ingredient calculations are tested and verified in real kitchen conditions.
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