What is the difference between metric and US tablespoons?

A metric tablespoon is generally standardized at 15 milliliters, while a US tablespoon equals about 14.8 milliliters. The US tablespoon is defined as half a US fluid ounce.

Can I use this conversion for pharmaceutical dosing?

This tool is designed for culinary and household measurements. For precise pharmaceutical dosing, it’s better to use milliliters.

Why does the size of a metric tablespoon vary by country?

Different countries have adopted slightly different standard sizes for the metric tablespoon, such as Australia using 20 mL, so local conventions may vary.

How to Convert from Tablespoon (metric) to Tablespoon (US)?

Easily convert volumes from metric tablespoons to US tablespoons with accurate conversion values for culinary and household uses. Understand differences and use this practical guide for your recipes and measurements.

Tablespoon (metric)

Tablespoon (US)

Please check your input. It must be a valid numeric value.

Tablespoon (metric) to Tablespoon (US) Conversion Table

Tablespoon (metric)	Tablespoon (US)

Custom Unit Conversion Table Generator – Instant Printable Conversion Tables

Start Value

Enter the starting number (positive decimal or integer ≥ 0). Example: 0.1, 1, 5.

End Value

Enter the ending number (positive decimal or integer > Start Value). Example: 10, 50, 100.

Interval

Enter the step size (positive decimal > 0 and < End Value – Start Value). Example: 1.0, 2.5.

Tablespoon (metric) to Tablespoon (US) Conversion Table
Tablespoon (metric)	Tablespoon (US)

Explore More Volume Units Converter

What Is This Tool?

This volume conversion tool helps you convert between metric tablespoons and US tablespoons, supporting recipe adaptation and precise measurement in cooking, household dosing, and food preparation.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the volume value in metric tablespoons you wish to convert
Select 'tablespoon (metric)' as the input unit and 'tablespoon (US)' as the output unit
Click the convert button to view the result in US tablespoons
Use the conversion result to adjust recipe ingredient amounts or household measurements

Key Features

Converts between metric tablespoon (15 mL) and US tablespoon (approximately 14.8 mL)
Uses a reliable conversion factor for accurate culinary measurement adjustment
Supports recipe scaling between metric and US customary volume units
Browser-based and easy to use without installation
Includes example conversions for practical guidance

Examples

5 tablespoons (metric) equals approximately 5.0721 tablespoons (US)
10 tablespoons (metric) converts to about 10.1442 tablespoons (US)
Scaling recipe quantities from metric to US customary units for cooking

Common Use Cases

Measuring oils, vinegars, and syrups in recipes using metric and US tablespoons
Converting ingredient volumes when following recipes from different measurement systems
Portioning small amounts of liquid supplements or medicines in household settings
Adapting culinary measurements between countries with differing tablespoon sizes
Household dosing of liquid ingredients or pharmaceutical liquids in informal contexts

Tips & Best Practices

Always check local tablespoon definitions, as the metric tablespoon size can vary by country
Use milliliters for precise or clinical measurements rather than tablespoons
Apply the conversion factor when adapting recipes between metric and US customary units
Be aware of rounding approximations commonly used in cooking
Confirm ingredient quantities when scaling recipes to maintain taste and texture

Limitations

Tablespoon size varies internationally; Australian metric tablespoons differ from the standard 15 mL size
US tablespoons are often rounded for cooking use and not suited to precise scientific measurement
Conversion assumes the standard 15 mL metric tablespoon and does not account for regional variations
For accurate pharmaceutical dosing, milliliters should be used instead of tablespoons
The tool is intended for culinary and household volume conversions, not medical or laboratory measurement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between metric and US tablespoons?: A metric tablespoon is generally standardized at 15 milliliters, while a US tablespoon equals about 14.8 milliliters. The US tablespoon is defined as half a US fluid ounce.
Can I use this conversion for pharmaceutical dosing?: This tool is designed for culinary and household measurements. For precise pharmaceutical dosing, it’s better to use milliliters.
Why does the size of a metric tablespoon vary by country?: Different countries have adopted slightly different standard sizes for the metric tablespoon, such as Australia using 20 mL, so local conventions may vary.

Key Terminology

Tablespoon (metric): A culinary volume unit standardized as 15 milliliters in most metric-using countries, used for measuring small ingredient quantities.
Tablespoon (US): A volume unit in the US customary system equal to half a US fluid ounce or approximately 14.8 milliliters, used in cooking and household measurements.
Conversion Rate: The numerical factor used to convert volumes from one unit to another; here, 1 tablespoon (metric) equals 1.0144206811 tablespoons (US).

Quick Knowledge Check

What is the common volume of a metric tablespoon?

14.8 mL

15 mL

20 mL

Which unit is equal to half a US fluid ounce?

Tablespoon (metric)

Tablespoon (US)

Milliliter

Why should milliliters be preferred for precise measurements?

Because tablespoons vary by country

Because milliliters are larger units

Because tablespoons are metric units

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