Converter
Why this conversion doesn’t depend on ingredient
Tablespoons and cups are both units of volume, so the relationship between them (16 tablespoons per cup) never changes, no matter what you’re measuring. This is different from converting to grams or ounces, where the ingredient’s density matters — the ingredient selector above is still there for consistency with the rest of the site, but it won’t change this particular result.
Common measurement mistakes
- Confusing tablespoons (tbsp) with teaspoons (tsp) — there are 3 teaspoons in a tablespoon.
- Using a US tablespoon for a UK/Australian recipe — the Australian tablespoon is 20ml, slightly larger than the US/UK 15ml tablespoon.
Frequently asked questions
How many tablespoons are in a cup?
16 tablespoons make 1 cup. This ratio is fixed because both are units of volume.
Does this conversion change depending on the ingredient?
No. Tablespoon-to-cup is a volume-to-volume conversion, so it’s the same for flour, sugar, water, or any other ingredient. Ingredient density only matters when converting to or from a weight unit like grams or ounces.