Whether you’re cooking a gourmet meal or mixing up a batch of slime with the kids, accurate measurements are crucial. Recipes depend on precise volumes to turn out right, and that often means converting between metric and imperial units.
One of the most common conversions you’ll encounter is milliliters (mL) to tablespoons (tbsp) or vice versa.
This article will cover the definitions of mL and tbsp, explain how to convert from mls in tbsp, and provide handy charts and examples to make your conversions a breeze.
What are milliliters and tablespoons?
When a recipe calls for a certain quantity of liquid, it’s helpful to know what the units of measurement actually mean.
What is a milliliter (mL)?
A milliliter is a unit of volume in the metric system, otherwise known as the International System of Units (SI). There are 1000 milliliters in a liter.
What is a tablespoon (tbsp)?
A tablespoon is a unit of volume in the imperial system of measurement. But here’s where it gets a little tricky: the size of a tablespoon varies, depending on whether you’re in the US, the UK, or Australia.
- US tablespoon: 14.8 mL
- Imperial tablespoon: 18 mL
- Australian tablespoon: 20 mL
For nutrition labeling in both the US and the UK, a tablespoon is standardized to 15 mL.
The conversion factor: mL to tablespoons
When you’re cooking or baking, you may need to convert milliliters (mL) to tablespoons (tbsp). Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding the basic conversion
In the U.S., 1 tablespoon is about 14.8 mL. For practical purposes, many people just round that up to 15 mL.
It’s worth noting that there’s a difference between a U.S. tablespoon and an Imperial tablespoon. Be sure to use the right measurement for your recipe.
Conversion formulas
To convert mL to U.S. tablespoons, use this formula:
U.S. tbsp = mL ÷ 14.7867648
To convert mL to Imperial tablespoons, use this formula:
Imperial tbsp = mL / 17.7582 (approximate)
Considering accuracy
Keep in mind that tablespoon sizes can vary a little, which could lead to slight differences in volume.
For best results, use a standardized measuring spoon, like one made of stainless steel.
Practical Examples of mL to Tablespoon Conversions
Let’s look at some common conversions you might need in the kitchen.
Common Cooking Conversions
- 5 mL = ~⅓ tablespoon (US)
- 15 mL = ~1 tablespoon (US)
- 30 mL = ~2 tablespoons (US)
- 50 mL = ~3 ⅓ tablespoons (US)
A larger conversion would look like this:
- 2,500 mL = ~169 US tablespoons
Step-by-Step Conversion Example
To convert 60 mL to US tablespoons, you’d use the formula: US tbsp = 60 mL / 14.7867648.
The result: ~4.06 US tablespoons.
Visual Aids: Conversion Chart
For quick reference, you’ll find a handy conversion chart included in this article. It’ll help you easily convert between milliliters and tablespoons for common measurements.
When to use alternative measuring tools
If you need to measure more than 15 ml, measuring cups or graduated cylinders are usually easier to use. You can also use measuring spoons or a digital scale, especially if you’re measuring water (remember, 1 ml of water weighs about 1 gram).
If you need to be very precise, a digital scale is best for measuring water. For tiny amounts, a measuring pipette is a good option.
Finally, if you need an amount that isn’t a multiple of 15 ml, you’ll need to use something other than tablespoons.
Key Takeaways
When you’re baking or cooking, remember that a tablespoon isn’t always a tablespoon! It’s important to know whether you’re working with a U.S. or Imperial measurement.
Having accurate conversion information can make all the difference in the kitchen — or wherever else you need to measure liquids precisely.
For the best results, use standardized measuring spoons and cups.