What is tablespoon (metric)?
A metric tablespoon is a volume unit equal to exactly 15 millilitres. It is widely used in cooking recipes in metric countries as a convenient measure for sauces, oils, and seasonings.
Real-world uses
The metric tablespoon (15 mL) is used in cooking recipes worldwide, particularly for oil, vinegar, sauces, and spices. It is also a common dosing measure for adult liquid medicines. Nutritional databases often list serving sizes in tablespoons.
History
The tablespoon evolved from the table or serving spoon and was adopted as a cooking measure. The metric tablespoon was standardized at 15 mL (3 metric teaspoons). In Australia, the tablespoon was standardized at 20 mL, creating a regional exception.
Common mistakes
Assuming a tablespoon is always 15 mL—the Australian tablespoon is 20 mL, and the US customary tablespoon is 14.79 mL. Failing to check which standard a recipe uses can alter the outcome of precise baking recipes.
What is teaspoon (metric)?
A metric teaspoon is a volume unit equal to exactly 5 millilitres. It is a standard unit in cooking recipes and pharmaceutical dosing instructions across metric countries.
Real-world uses
The metric teaspoon (5 mL) is used in cooking recipes, pharmaceutical dosing instructions, and nutrition labelling. It is the standard dosing spoon for children's liquid medicines. Most international recipes specify teaspoon measurements assuming the 5 mL metric standard.
History
The teaspoon originated as a unit of apothecary measure in the 18th century, roughly the volume of a small spoon used to stir tea. The metric teaspoon was standardized at exactly 5 mL to align with the metric system and simplify pharmaceutical dosing.
Common mistakes
Confusing the metric teaspoon (5 mL) with the US customary teaspoon (4.929 mL) or the older Imperial teaspoon (3.55 mL). Also, using a household spoon instead of a measuring spoon—actual spoons vary widely in size.
When is this conversion used?
Converting tablespoon (metric) to teaspoon (metric) is useful in the volume domain when comparing values across different measurement standards or applying formulas that require a specific unit.
Worked examples
1 tablespoon (metric) = 3 teaspoon (metric)
1 teaspoon (metric) = 0.005 litre
How to convert tablespoon (metric) to teaspoon (metric)
To convert tablespoon (metric) to teaspoon (metric), multiply the value by 3.
To convert teaspoon (metric) back to tablespoon (metric), multiply by 0.33333333.
Measurement standards
The cubic metre is the SI derived unit of volume. The litre, equal to exactly one cubic decimetre (0.001 m³), is accepted by the BIPM for use alongside SI units. Both the lowercase "l" and uppercase "L" are approved symbols for the litre.
Did you know?
An Olympic swimming pool holds 2,500 cubic metres of water — about 2.5 million litres. The Amazon River discharges roughly 209,000 cubic metres per second, enough to fill 84 Olympic pools every single second.
Quick reference: tablespoon (metric) to teaspoon (metric)
| tablespoon (metric) | teaspoon (metric) |
|---|---|
| 0.1 | 0.3 |
| 0.5 | 1.5 |
| 1 | 3 |
| 2 | 6 |
| 5 | 15 |
| 10 | 30 |
| 25 | 75 |
| 50 | 150 |
| 100 | 300 |
| 250 | 750 |
| 500 | 1,500 |
| 1,000 | 3,000 |
Common values
| tablespoon (metric) | teaspoon (metric) | |
|---|---|---|
| A teaspoon | 0.33333333 tablespoon (metric) | 1 teaspoon (metric) |
| A cup of coffee | 16.66666667 tablespoon (metric) | 50 teaspoon (metric) |
| A water bottle | 33.33333333 tablespoon (metric) | 100 teaspoon (metric) |
| A bathtub | 20,000 tablespoon (metric) | 60,000 teaspoon (metric) |
| A swimming pool (Olympic) | 166,666,666.66666669 tablespoon (metric) | 500,000,000 teaspoon (metric) |
Available Volume units
More tablespoon (metric) conversions
- Convert tablespoon (metric) to litre
- Convert tablespoon (metric) to millilitre
- Convert tablespoon (metric) to US gallon
- Convert tablespoon (metric) to cubic metre
- Convert tablespoon (metric) to Imperial gallon
- Convert tablespoon (metric) to US fluid ounce
- Convert tablespoon (metric) to Imperial fluid ounce
- Convert tablespoon (metric) to teaspoon (metric)
- Convert tablespoon (metric) to cubic centimetre