1 US tablespoon = 14.8 ml (rounded to 15 ml). 1 UK tablespoon = 17.7 ml. This small difference matters in precise baking and cocktail recipes — use the exact chart below.
Tablespoon to ml Conversion Table
| Tablespoons | US ml | UK ml |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 tbsp | 7.4 ml | 8.9 ml |
| 1 tbsp | 14.8 ml | 17.7 ml |
| 2 tbsp | 29.6 ml | 35.4 ml |
| 3 tbsp | 44.4 ml | 53.1 ml |
| 4 tbsp | 59.1 ml | 70.9 ml |
| 5 tbsp | 73.9 ml | 88.6 ml |
| 6 tbsp | 88.7 ml | 106.3 ml |
| 8 tbsp (1/2 cup) | 118.3 ml | 141.8 ml |
| 16 tbsp (1 cup) | 236.6 ml | 283.5 ml |
Why US and UK Tablespoons Are Different Sizes
The US tablespoon is standardized at exactly 14.79 ml. The UK (and Australian/metric) tablespoon is larger at 17.7 ml — about 20% more volume. This difference comes from different historical measurement standards and rarely matters for everyday cooking, but it can throw off precise baking or cocktail recipes if you use the wrong one.
Quick Rule: If your recipe doesn’t specify, assume US tablespoons (14.8 ml) — this is the standard for most recipe websites and cookbooks published online.
How to Correctly Measure Tablespoons
- Use a proper measuring spoon set — kitchen flatware tablespoons vary in size by up to 30% and are not accurate for recipes.
- Level off dry ingredients with a flat knife or spatula across the top of the spoon — don’t guess a “heaping” tablespoon unless the recipe specifically asks for it.
- For liquids, fill to the brim without overflowing — surface tension can make liquids appear full when they’re slightly under.
- For precise baking, use a digital scale set to milliliters or grams instead of spoons — this eliminates measuring spoon variance entirely.
Tablespoons to Teaspoons and Cups — Quick Reference
| Tablespoons | Teaspoons | Cups | ml |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tbsp | 3 tsp | 1/16 cup | 15 ml |
| 2 tbsp | 6 tsp | 1/8 cup | 30 ml |
| 4 tbsp | 12 tsp | 1/4 cup | 60 ml |
| 8 tbsp | 24 tsp | 1/2 cup | 120 ml |
| 16 tbsp | 48 tsp | 1 cup | 240 ml |
For full cup-based conversions see our guide on how many ml in a cup. For tablespoons within a full cup see how many tablespoons in a cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ml is 1 tablespoon?
1 US tablespoon = 14.8 ml. A UK tablespoon is larger at 17.7 ml. Most online recipes default to the US measurement unless stated otherwise.
Is 15 ml the same as 1 tablespoon?
Yes, for practical purposes. 1 US tablespoon is 14.79 ml, which is rounded to 15 ml in virtually all recipes and product labels.
How many tablespoons is 30 ml?
30 ml = 2 US tablespoons. This is a very common medicine dosage and cocktail measurement, so it’s worth memorizing.
📌 Summary — Tablespoon to ml
• 1 tbsp (US) = 14.8 ml
• 1 tbsp (UK) = 17.7 ml
• 2 tbsp = 30 ml
• 4 tbsp = 60 ml
• 8 tbsp = 120 ml
• 16 tbsp = 240 ml
Related: ml in a cup · Tablespoons in a cup · Ounces in a cup
