The tablespoon (US) is a unit of volume used in the US customary system. It's commonly abbreviated as tbsp, T, or tbs, and it plays a central role in measuring both liquid and dry ingredients in American recipes. By definition, one US tablespoon equals 14.7868 milliliters, making it exactly three times the size of a US teaspoon.
This unit is a standard part of measuring spoon sets found in nearly every American kitchen. It's used for ingredients that require more than a teaspoon but less than a full cup—like oil, syrup, peanut butter, or baking powder. Whether you're preparing a sauce, salad dressing, or baked goods, the tablespoon offers an ideal balance between precision and practicality.
Uses: The tablespoon is one of the most commonly used measurements in American kitchens. You’ll find it in countless recipes—from marinades and sauces to pancake batter and salad dressings. In baking, it plays a critical role, where just a small difference in the amount of butter, oil, or leavening agent can change the texture or taste of the final dish. The tablespoon is also used in meal prep, portion control, and nutritional labeling, helping consumers track ingredients like sugar, oils, or dressings in a standardized way.
Beyond the kitchen, the U.S. tablespoon occasionally appears in medical or pharmaceutical contexts to measure over-the-counter liquid medications, though healthcare professionals typically recommend using milliliters for precision. Still, the tablespoon remains a familiar and convenient reference point for many households.
A milliliter is a metric unit of volume used around the world for measuring small amounts of liquid. It's abbreviated as mL and is defined as one-thousandth of a liter—making it ideal for precise, everyday measurements. One milliliter is equal to 1 cubic centimeter (cm³) and roughly 0.034 fluid ounces (US).
Because of its precision and simplicity, the milliliter is a standard in science, medicine, cooking, and packaging. Whether you're reading a nutrition label, following a recipe, or measuring out a medication dose, the milliliter is a practical and widely accepted unit in both personal and professional settings.
Uses: The milliliter is used globally in a wide range of applications. In the kitchen, it helps measure small liquid quantities like vanilla extract, lemon juice, or oil. On food packaging, beverages, and household products, you'll often see volumes listed in milliliters to indicate serving sizes or total content.
In healthcare, the milliliter is critical for accurately dosing liquid medications, especially in syringes and measuring cups. The milliliter is often seen in labs and industries where accurate volume is expected. It’s also used on packaging, recipe cards, and medicine labels to keep measurements clear and consistent in everyday use.
1 tbsp = 14.7868 mL
Let’s say you want to convert 100 tbsp to mL.
Using the formula:
100 × 14.7868 = 1478.68 mL
So, 100 tbsp is approximately 1478.68 mL.
| Tablespoon (US) (tbsp) | Milliliter (mL) |
|---|---|
| 1 tbsp | 14.787 mL |
| 2 tbsp | 29.574 mL |
| 3 tbsp | 44.36 mL |
| 4 tbsp | 59.147 mL |
| 5 tbsp | 73.934 mL |
| 6 tbsp | 88.721 mL |
| 7 tbsp | 103.508 mL |
| 8 tbsp | 118.294 mL |
| 9 tbsp | 133.081 mL |
| 10 tbsp | 147.868 mL |
| 11 tbsp | 162.655 mL |
| 12 tbsp | 177.442 mL |
| 13 tbsp | 192.228 mL |
| 14 tbsp | 207.015 mL |
| 15 tbsp | 221.802 mL |