Cups to Tablespoons Converter

Convert cups to tablespoons (TBSP) instantly with our accurate converter tool

Cups

Tablespoons (TBSP)

Enter a value to see the conversion

1 Cup = 16 TBSP

TBSP = Cups × 16

Quick Conversions

0.0625 Cups = 1 TBSP

0.25 Cups = 4 TBSP

0.5 Cups = 8 TBSP

0.75 Cups = 12 TBSP

1 Cup = 16 TBSP

2 Cups = 32 TBSP

Cups to Tablespoons Conversion Table

Cups	Tablespoons (TBSP)	Common Fraction
0.0625 Cups	1 TBSP	1/16 Cup
0.125 Cups	2 TBSP	1/8 Cup
0.25 Cups	4 TBSP	1/4 Cup
0.333 Cups	5.33 TBSP	1/3 Cup
0.5 Cups	8 TBSP	1/2 Cup
0.667 Cups	10.67 TBSP	2/3 Cup
0.75 Cups	12 TBSP	3/4 Cup
1 Cup	16 TBSP	1 Cup

Understanding Cups to Tablespoons Conversion

What is a Cup?

A cup is a unit of volume measurement commonly used in cooking and baking, particularly in the United States. The US customary cup equals 236.588 milliliters or 8 fluid ounces. It's one of the most fundamental measurements in American kitchens and appears in countless recipes.

What is a Tablespoon (TBSP)?

A tablespoon is a smaller unit of volume measurement used for ingredients that require more precision than cups but are too large for teaspoons. In the US, 1 tablespoon equals 14.787 milliliters or 1/2 fluid ounce. It's the perfect size for measuring moderate amounts of spices, extracts, and liquids.

Conversion Formula

The conversion from cups to tablespoons is straightforward since there are exactly 16 tablespoons in 1 cup:

TBSP = Cups × 16

This is the standard US measurement conversion

Practical Examples

Example 1: Convert 0.5 cups to tablespoons
0.5 × 16 = 8 tablespoons

Example 2: Convert 0.25 cups to tablespoons
0.25 × 16 = 4 tablespoons

Example 3: Convert 1.5 cups to tablespoons
1.5 × 16 = 24 tablespoons

Common Fractional Conversions

These fractional cup measurements are frequently used in recipes:

1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons
1/3 cup = 5.33 tablespoons (5 TBSP + 1 tsp)
1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons
2/3 cup = 10.67 tablespoons (10 TBSP + 2 tsp)
3/4 cup = 12 tablespoons

When to Use This Conversion

Converting cups to tablespoons is useful when:

Scaling recipes up or down
You don't have the right measuring cup size
Working with small amounts that are easier to measure in tablespoons
Following recipes that use different measurement units
Calculating nutritional information per serving

Measurement Accuracy Tips

For the most accurate measurements:

Use proper measuring tools - liquid measures for liquids, dry measures for dry ingredients
Level off dry ingredients with a straight edge
Measure at eye level for liquids
Don't pack ingredients unless specified
Consider using a kitchen scale for greater precision

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many tablespoons are in 1 cup?

There are 16 tablespoons in 1 cup. This is the standard conversion used in US cooking measurements.

How many tablespoons are in 1/2 cup?

There are 8 tablespoons in 1/2 cup. This is exactly half of the 16 tablespoons that make up a full cup.

What's 1/4 cup in tablespoons?

1/4 cup equals 4 tablespoons. This is one of the most commonly needed conversions in cooking and baking.

How do I convert 1/3 cup to tablespoons?

1/3 cup equals 5.33 tablespoons, which is 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon. Since 1/3 doesn't divide evenly into 16, this creates a fractional tablespoon.

Can I use this conversion for both wet and dry ingredients?

Yes, cups and tablespoons are volume measurements that work for both liquid and dry ingredients. However, for precise baking results, weighing dry ingredients is often more accurate than volume measurements.