teaspoon (metric) (tsp)
1 teaspoon (metric) = 0.005 litres
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.
Notes: Cooking measure
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?
Fuel economy, beverage volumes, and liquid measurements frequently require converting between litres and US gallons, especially for automotive and cooking contexts across different markets.
How to convert teaspoon (metric) to litre
To convert teaspoon (metric) to litre, multiply the value by 0.005.
Conversion formula (from base unit)
x * 0.005
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.
| teaspoons (metric) | litres |
|---|---|
| 0.1 | 0.0005 |
| 0.5 | 0.0025 |
| 1 | 0.005 |
| 2 | 0.01 |
| 5 | 0.025 |
| 10 | 0.05 |
| 25 | 0.125 |
| 50 | 0.25 |
| 100 | 0.5 |
| 250 | 1.25 |
| 500 | 2.5 |
| 1,000 | 5 |
Common values
| teaspoons (metric) | litres | |
|---|---|---|
| A teaspoon | 1 teaspoon (metric) | 0.005 litres |
| A cup of coffee | 50 teaspoons (metric) | 0.25 litres |
| A water bottle | 100 teaspoons (metric) | 0.5 litres |
| A bathtub | 60,000 teaspoons (metric) | 300 litres |
| A swimming pool (Olympic) | 500,000,000 teaspoons (metric) | 2,500,000 litres |
Full teaspoon (metric) conversion table
| Unit | Value | Factor |
|---|---|---|
| litre | 1 tsp = 0.005 L | × 0.005 |
| millilitre | 1 tsp = 5 mL | × 5 |
| US gallon | 1 tsp = 0.00132086 gal (US) | × 0.00132086 |
| cubic metre | 1 tsp = 0.000005 m³ | × 0.000005 |
| Imperial gallon | 1 tsp = 0.00109985 gal (Imp) | × 0.00109985 |
| US fluid ounce | 1 tsp = 0.16907011 fl oz (US) | × 0.16907011 |
| Imperial fluid ounce | 1 tsp = 0.1759754 fl oz (Imp) | × 0.1759754 |
| tablespoon (metric) | 1 tsp = 0.33333333 Tbsp | × 0.33333333 |
| cubic centimetre | 1 tsp = 5 cm³ | × 5 |