How Many Teaspoons in a Cup?

If you're wondering how many teaspoons are in one cup, the simple answer is that there are 48 teaspoons in one cup. Read to learn more about teaspoons conversion.

While you're cooking at home, it's important to know how to measure dry and wet ingredients using teaspoons, tablespoons, cups, and other units of measurement.

When scaling a recipe, you may wonder how many teaspoons are in a cup, how many tablespoons are in 1 cup, and how exactly to measure out a teaspoon. This blog post will tell you how to get the correct measurements for your cooking and baking projects.

What is a teaspoon?

A teaspoon is a unit of measure for smaller amounts of ingredients. It is generally equal to about 5 milliliters of volume - 4.92 milliliters, to be exact.

You'll also receive emails with new recipes delivered straight to you.

Teaspoons are often used in cooking and baking recipes to measure dry ingredients such as sugar, flour, and spices. You can also use a teaspoon to measure liquid ingredients like water, milk, and oil. Teaspoons can measure medications, vitamins, and small amounts of ingredients for drinks such as coffee and tea.

Teaspoons are an essential part of any kitchen and an integral part of many recipes. This unit of measurement is commonly used in many countries around the world, in conjunction with other units of measurement, like a tablespoon, a cup, and a milliliter.

What is a cup?

A cup is a unit of measurement used to measure volume, and it is larger than a teaspoon or tablespoon. You can use it to measure ingredients during cooking and baking, and it is equivalent to 8 fluid ounces or 240 ml.

Fannie Farmer invented the standard measurements of a cup in 1896. Fannie was the director of the Boston Cooking School, and her development of this unit of measurement helped create consistent results in modern recipes.

Metric cup vs Imperial cup

An imperial cup measures 284ml while a metric cup measures 250ml. The metric cup is used in New Zealand, Canada, the UK, and some other members of the Commonwealth of Nations. The United States uses the imperial system of measurement.

How many teaspoons are in a cup?

A teaspoon and a cup are both measuring tools used in the kitchen. A teaspoon measures smaller amounts of ingredients, such as a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of sugar. A cup is typically used to measure larger quantities of ingredients, such as a cup of almond flour or cocoa powder.

While a teaspoon is used for smaller amounts and a cup is used for larger amounts, they both serve the same purpose of measuring ingredients. With some simple math, you can easily convert teaspoons into tablespoons and tablespoons into cups.

For example, 3 teaspoons equal 1 tablespoon, and 16 tablespoons equal 1 cup. Therefore, 48 U.S. tablespoons are equal to one cup, based on a U.S. cup and a U.S. teaspoon.

This means that when a recipe calls for a cup of an ingredient, it can also be measured using teaspoons.

Teaspoon and tablespoon abbreviations

A teaspoon is commonly abbreviated as teaspoon. However, other abbreviations include t, ts, or tspn – although these aren't used too frequently.

A tablespoon is usually abbreviated as tablespoon. You may also see it abbreviated as T, Tb, Tbs, or Tbls.

Common teaspoon measurement conversions

If you need to convert dry teaspoon measurements quickly and easily, refer to this easy conversion chart below!

48 teaspoons = 1 cup

36 teaspoons = ¾ cup

16 teaspoons = ⅓ cup

12 teaspoons = ¼ cup

6 teaspoons = ⅛ cup

3 teaspoons = 1/16 cup

Common liquid teaspoon conversions

Here are some common liquid teaspoon conversions:

48 teaspoons = 6 fluid ounces
36 teaspoons = 4 fluid ounces
16 teaspoons = 2⅓ fluid ounces
12 teaspoons = 2 fluid ounces
6 teaspoons = 1 fluid ounce
3 teaspoons = ½ fluid ounces

Other common teaspoon conversions

1 ½ teaspoons = ½ tablespoon
3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon
6 teaspoons = ⅛ cup
12 teaspoons = ¼ cup
24 teaspoons = ½ cup
36 teaspoons = ¾ cup
48 teaspoons = 1 cup
96 teaspoons = 1 pint
192 teaspoons = 1 quart
768 teaspoons = 1 gallon

How many teaspoons in a tablespoon?

There are three teaspoons in one tablespoon.

3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon

How many tablespoons in 1 cup?

Knowing how many tablespoon in a cup is valuable information for a home baker. There are 16 tablespoons in 1 cup.

16 tablespoons = 1 cup

Measuring by volume

There are three ways to measure ingredients – mass (or weight), volume (length, width, height), or count (by number).

Whenever you use a measuring spoon or cup to measure ingredients, you measure by volume. You can achieve even more precision by measuring dry ingredients, like cups of flour, by weight.

For ingredients used in small amounts, like salt, spices, and baking powder, it is better to measure with measuring spoons rather than weighing them. Because recipes usually use these ingredients in tiny increments, it's okay if you are a little less precise.

Common teaspoon measuring instructions

Different recipes call for different ways to measure your teaspoons. Keep reading to learn the differences between a level, rounded, and heaping teaspoon.

Level teaspoon: Use the back of a knife to level your teaspoon for the most precise measurement. Unless otherwise noted, you can assume that all baking recipes call for the level method.
Rounded teaspoon: Scoop the teaspoon into the ingredient, but don't level it off, as this is not a precise measurement. When you measure a rounded teaspoon, it will include more of the ingredient than a level teaspoon.
Heaping teaspoon: This is an imprecise measurement and contains the largest amount of the ingredient compared to a rounded or level teaspoon. To measure a heaping teaspoon, liberally scoop the ingredient without leveling them off.

Wet vs. dry teaspoons

While it is necessary to use two sets of measuring cups for wet and dry ingredients, this is (thankfully) not the case when measuring a teaspoon. No matter which ingredient you're using, one set of measuring spoons should have you covered!

Other tips for measuring your ingredients

You can sweep the back of a knife over the top of your measuring spoon or cup to get an accurate measurement.
Measure nut butter or other semi-liquids the same way you would measure dry ingredients.
A glass measuring cup makes it easier to measure liquids – you can easily tell when the liquid level touches the line.
Be careful when a recipe calls for chopping, mincing, or dicing. If you don't do what the recipe calls for, you may end up with an incorrect amount.
When using butter in a recipe, the recipe might call for a tablespoon or a cup of butter. Sticks of butter usually have their measurement marked on the butter. A stick of butter is equal to 8 tablespoons, or ½ cup. Just cut off what you need without having to measure it!
If you use a digital kitchen scale, don't forget to zero it out before measuring your ingredients.
For quick conversions, this is a great calculator site that will help you with simple conversions.

Imperial vs. metric measurements

Different countries use different measurement systems. You may have to convert metric measurements when using recipes written outside of the United States.

The only countries that use imperial measurements are the U.S., Myanmar, and Liberia. The rest of the world uses the metric system, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Here are a few common conversions between these systems in terms of teaspoons and tablespoons:

An imperial tablespoon equals .5 fluid ounces or 14.79 milliliters.
An imperial teaspoon equals ⅛ fluid ounces or 4.93 milliliters.
A metric tablespoon is equal to 15 milliliters.
One metric teaspoon equals 5 milliliters.

Additionally, Australian tablespoon measurements vary slightly. One Australian tablespoon is the same as 20 milliliters, which means you'll need to measure one extra teaspoon when measuring this out.

Handy kitchen measuring tools you should have on hand

Every kitchen should have a set of handy tools for cooking and baking. Measuring cups and spoons are essential for measuring ingredients such as flour, sugar, and spices. A liquid measuring cup is also helpful for liquids like milk, oil, and broth.

Measuring cups and spoons typically come in plastic, glass, or metal materials. Metal or glass measuring tools are usually the most durable and will last longer than plastic spoons or cups.

A digital scale is another essential tool for weighing ingredients, such as dry products like nuts, dried fruit, and grains, as well as raw meats. A set of nesting measuring bowls is also helpful for simultaneously measuring and prepping several ingredients.

For baking, having an oven thermometer is essential for verifying accurate baking temperatures. Lastly, a timer is also necessary for ensuring you don't over or under-cook food. With these tools, you'll be able to get accurate measurements so your dishes turn out perfect every time.