Figuring out how to convert milliliters (mL) to teaspoons (tsp) comes up more than you might think, especially when you’re cooking, baking, or working on a DIY project. Getting your measurements right is important for a recipe to turn out properly or for a DIY project to work correctly.
This article will break down the conversion from mL to tsp, covering the different types of teaspoons and how to convert between the two. We’ll cover the formula, and we’ll also provide easy-to-use reference tables.
Milliliters and teaspoons defined
Let’s define our terms before we get to the conversion.
What is a milliliter (mL)?
A milliliter is a unit of volume in the metric system. One milliliter is equal to one cubic centimeter (cc) or 1/1000 of a liter. You may see it abbreviated as mL, ml, mℓ, or cc.
What is a teaspoon (tsp)?
A teaspoon is also a unit of volume. One teaspoon is equal to 1/3 of a tablespoon or 1/6 of a fluid ounce.
It’s worth noting that U.S. teaspoons and Imperial teaspoons aren’t precisely the same. A U.S. teaspoon is approximately 4.93 mL, although it’s often rounded to 5 mL in nutrition labeling. An Imperial teaspoon is 6 mL.
Conversion formulas and factors
If you’re trying to convert milliliters to teaspoons, here are the formulas you’ll need.
The U.S. teaspoon conversion
To convert milliliters to U.S. teaspoons, use this formula:
Teaspoons = milliliters × 0.202884
So, for example, to convert 5 ml to teaspoons, you’d multiply 5 ml by 0.202884, which equals 1.014421 tsp.
The Imperial teaspoon conversion
One Imperial teaspoon equals 6 ml. To convert milliliters to Imperial teaspoons, use this formula:
Milliliters / 6 = Imperial Teaspoons
Simplified approximation
If you’re just looking for a quick estimate, you can use this approximation:
1 ml ≈ 1/4 tsp
Keep in mind that this approximation is less precise than the formulas shown above, but it might be handy if you’re in a hurry.
Milliliters to Teaspoons Conversion Table
Sometimes, it’s just easier to look up a conversion than to calculate it. Here are a few common conversions from milliliters to teaspoons. Keep in mind that the exact conversion depends on whether you’re using US teaspoons or Imperial teaspoons.
- 1 ml = approximately 0.20 tsp (US)
- 5 ml = 1 tsp (US, nutrition labeling)
- 10 ml = 2 tsp (metric)
- 15 ml = approximately 3 tsp (US)
- 30 ml = approximately 6 tsp (US)
If you need a conversion not listed here, you may want to use an online conversion tool for more precise values.
Practical applications and considerations
It’s one thing to know the math, but how does this conversion play out in real life?
Cooking and baking
When you’re baking a cake or whipping up a batch of cookies, those milliliter-to-teaspoon conversions are crucial. Especially when you’re measuring out small amounts of ingredients. It’s also important to remember that a U.S. teaspoon and an Imperial teaspoon measure out differently, so you’ll want to pay attention to which type of spoon the recipe calls for.
Vanilla extract, baking powder, and liquid food coloring are often measured in milliliters or teaspoons.
Other applications
You might need to convert from milliliters to teaspoons when you’re measuring liquid medication or mixing solutions for a DIY project.
Potential sources of error
Keep in mind that your measurements will only be as accurate as your measuring tools. For best results, use measuring spoons and cups, rather than the silverware from your drawer. Also, this conversion assumes you’re measuring a liquid similar in density to water. Thicker liquids will not give you an accurate result.
The Bottom Line
When you’re converting milliliters to teaspoons, remember that U.S. teaspoons aren’t the same as Imperial teaspoons, and you need to use the right conversion method. Use the formulas, conversion tables, or online tools provided here to convert between milliliters and teaspoons accurately.
Whether you’re cooking, baking, or measuring medicine, accurate measurements are crucial. Understanding the differences between U.S. and Imperial teaspoons can help you achieve the results you’re aiming for.