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.
What is cubic centimetre?
A cubic centimetre is a metric unit of volume equal to one thousandth of a litre, or 1 millilitre. It is used in medicine, engine displacement specifications, and precise scientific measurements.
Real-world uses
Cubic centimetres are used for engine displacement (e.g., a 250 cc motorcycle engine), medical syringe volumes (often marked "cc"), and laboratory measurements. Small container volumes and 3D printing material estimates are expressed in cm³.
History
The cubic centimetre was the standard volume unit in the CGS system. The abbreviation "cc" became entrenched in automotive and medical fields. The JCAHO (now The Joint Commission) recommended against "cc" in medical prescriptions to reduce errors, though it persists.
Common mistakes
Using "cc" interchangeably with mL is technically acceptable (they are equal), but some medical institutions discourage "cc" because it can be misread as "00" in handwritten prescriptions.
When is this conversion used?
Converting teaspoon (metric) to cubic centimetre is useful in the volume domain when comparing values across different measurement standards or applying formulas that require a specific unit.
Worked examples
1 teaspoon (metric) = 5 cubic centimetre
1 cubic centimetre = 0.001 litre
How to convert teaspoon (metric) to cubic centimetre
To convert teaspoon (metric) to cubic centimetre, multiply the value by 5.
To convert cubic centimetre back to teaspoon (metric), multiply by 0.2.
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: teaspoon (metric) to cubic centimetre
| teaspoon (metric) | cubic centimetre |
|---|---|
| 0.1 | 0.5 |
| 0.5 | 2.5 |
| 1 | 5 |
| 2 | 10 |
| 5 | 25 |
| 10 | 50 |
| 25 | 125 |
| 50 | 250 |
| 100 | 500 |
| 250 | 1,250 |
| 500 | 2,500 |
| 1,000 | 5,000 |
Common values
| teaspoon (metric) | cubic centimetre | |
|---|---|---|
| A teaspoon | 1 teaspoon (metric) | 5 cubic centimetre |
| A cup of coffee | 50 teaspoon (metric) | 250 cubic centimetre |
| A water bottle | 100 teaspoon (metric) | 500 cubic centimetre |
| A bathtub | 60,000 teaspoon (metric) | 300,000 cubic centimetre |
| A swimming pool (Olympic) | 500,000,000 teaspoon (metric) | 2.500000e+09 cubic centimetre |
Available Volume units
More teaspoon (metric) conversions
- Convert teaspoon (metric) to litre
- Convert teaspoon (metric) to millilitre
- Convert teaspoon (metric) to US gallon
- Convert teaspoon (metric) to cubic metre
- Convert teaspoon (metric) to Imperial gallon
- Convert teaspoon (metric) to US fluid ounce
- Convert teaspoon (metric) to Imperial fluid ounce
- Convert teaspoon (metric) to tablespoon (metric)
- Convert teaspoon (metric) to cubic centimetre