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I get this question all the time, and I’ve definitely stood in my kitchen mid-recipe, second-guessing a simple measurement! In this quick guide, I’ll show you exactly how many teaspoons per tablespoon, explain the difference between metric and imperial measurements, share a handy conversion chart, and answer questions people Google every day. Save this for your next baking day!
Quick Answer: Teaspoons in a Tablespoon
- Metric tablespoon: 1 tablespoon (15ml) = 3 metric teaspoons
- US/Imperial tablespoon: 1 tablespoon (15ml) = 3 US teaspoons
- Australia: Often uses a 20 ml tablespoon, which equals 4 metric teaspoons
Understanding Metric vs Imperial Measurements
Quick tip: Stick with the same measuring spoon set for a recipe to keep it consistent.
Metric vs Imperial: Metric uses millilitres (ml); Imperial (US) uses ounces and teaspoons/tablespoons.
Countries: Most of the world uses metric. The US sticks to Imperial. Australia has its own twist.
Why it matters: Small measurement differences add up in baking. Too much baking soda or salt changes everything.
Tablespoon to Teaspoon Conversion Chart
Here’s a simple chart for when your brain blanks mid-recipe:
| Tablespoons | Teaspoons (Metric & US) |
|---|---|
| 1 tbsp | 3 tsp |
| 2 tbsp | 6 tsp |
| 3 tbsp | 9 tsp |
| 4 tbsp | 12 tsp |
| 5 tbsp | 15 tsp |
Pro tip: Download the printable conversion chart and tape it inside your cupboard door!
How to Measure Teaspoons and Tablespoons the Right Way
- Dry Ingredients: Fill the spoon, then level off with a knife for accuracy.
- Liquids: Pour slowly, hold the spoon level over a bowl to catch drips.
- My go-to spoons: I use stainless steel sets with clear metric/US markings.
- Mistakes to avoid: Don’t pack dry ingredients tightly unless the recipe says so; you’ll end up with too much! The exception to this rule is brown sugar, which is always packed when measuring.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Canada, recipes usually follow metric:
1 tablespoon = 15 ml = 3 teaspoons.
Example: 2 tbsp maple syrup = 6 tsp maple syrup.
Not always!
Metric standard: 15 ml.
Australia: 20 ml.
Example: Aussie tablespoon of oil = 4 teaspoons; Metric tablespoon = 3 teaspoons.
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