Free Tablespoons (US) to Milliliters Converter

One US tablespoon is 14.78676478 milliliters—critical for drizzling oils, measuring condiments, and scaling small-batch recipes across imperial and metric kitchens.

1 tbsp = 14.787 mL

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Quick answer

One US tablespoon equals 14.79 milliliters. Multiply tablespoons by 14.79 for mL. A UK tablespoon is 15 mL, so this matters for cross-border recipes.

Formula & method

milliliters = tablespoons (us) × 14.78676478
  • tbsp value in tablespoons (us)
  • mL result in milliliters
  • 14.78676478 exact conversion factor (1 tbsp = 14.78676478 mL)

To convert back, divide by 14.78676478 (1 mL = 0.067628 tbsp).

Tablespoons (US) to Milliliters — common values

Tablespoons (US) (tbsp)Milliliters (mL)
0.5 tbsp7.393 mL
1 tbsp14.787 mL
2 tbsp29.574 mL
3 tbsp44.36 mL
4 tbsp59.147 mL
6 tbsp88.721 mL
8 tbsp118.294 mL
16 tbsp236.588 mL

Examples

Example 1: A drizzle of olive oil
Input
1 tbsp
Result
14.787 mL
Why
Typical amount for dressing a salad or finishing a dish
Example 2: A sauce base
Input
2 tbsp
Result
29.574 mL
Why
Common butter or roux measurement in gravy and pan sauces
Example 3: A glaze or marinade amount
Input
4 tbsp
Result
59.147 mL
Why
Sufficient soy sauce or vinegar to coat a protein
Example 4: A half tablespoon (small dab)
Input
0.5 tbsp
Result
7.393 mL
Why
Sesame oil or hot sauce—small but impactful flavoring

Common mistakes

  • Mixing up unit definitions — US tablespoon = 14.79 mL; a UK/metric tablespoon is 15 mL.
  • Rounding too early. Multiply by the full factor (14.78676478) first, then round only the final milliliters value.
  • Converting the wrong way. This page goes Tablespoons (US) → Milliliters; to go back, divide by 14.78676478.

Frequently asked questions

How is a US tablespoon different from a metric tablespoon?

A US tablespoon is 14.79 mL, while a metric (or UK) tablespoon is exactly 15 mL. The difference is tiny (about 0.5 mL), but it matters in oil-heavy dressings and delicate sauces.

Why are tablespoon measurements so common in recipes?

Tablespoons are convenient for small to medium quantities (oils, spices, condiments, extracts). They sit between teaspoons and cups and are easy to measure with standard flatware-style spoons.

Can I use a regular flatware tablespoon from my drawer?

No. Regular eating spoons vary wildly in size (10–20 mL). Always use a standard measuring spoon (usually marked 'tbsp') or convert to mL and use a scale or syringe for accuracy.

What's the best way to measure sticky ingredients like honey or nut butter?

For sticky items, spray your measuring spoon lightly with cooking spray first, or measure in grams with a scale. If you must use mL, level the tablespoon and assume about 14.8 mL per heaping spoonful.

Is there a difference between a 'heaping' and a 'level' tablespoon?

Yes—a heaping tablespoon can be 18–20 mL, while a level one is 14.79 mL. Recipes that call for 'heaping' tablespoons are less precise; always level unless the recipe explicitly says 'heaping.'

How many tablespoons are in a cup?

16 US tablespoons equal 1 US cup (236.6 mL). So 1 tbsp = 236.6 ÷ 16 = 14.79 mL.

Sources & references

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