How to convert tablespoons to cups
Formula: cup = tbsp ÷ 16
Worked example: 3 tbsp → 3 ÷ 16 = 0.1875 cup
A cup holds exactly 16 tablespoons. Handy fractions: ¼ cup = 4 tbsp, ⅓ cup = 5 tbsp + 1 tsp, ½ cup = 8 tbsp and ¾ cup = 12 tbsp. A stick of butter is 8 tablespoons, or half a cup.
Tablespoons to cups conversion chart
| Tablespoons (tbsp) | Cups (cup) |
|---|---|
| 0.25 tbsp | 0.015625 cup |
| 0.5 tbsp | 0.03125 cup |
| 1 tbsp | 0.0625 cup |
| 1.5 tbsp | 0.09375 cup |
| 2 tbsp | 0.125 cup |
| 3 tbsp | 0.1875 cup |
| 4 tbsp | 0.25 cup |
| 5 tbsp | 0.3125 cup |
| 6 tbsp | 0.375 cup |
| 8 tbsp | 0.5 cup |
| 10 tbsp | 0.625 cup |
| 12 tbsp | 0.75 cup |
| 16 tbsp | 1 cup |
What is a tablespoon?
The US tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons or half a fluid ounce, about 14.79 ml. Sixteen tablespoons make a cup. It is close to the 15 ml metric tablespoon, but the Australian tablespoon is larger at 20 ml.
What is a cup?
The US customary cup holds 8 fluid ounces, about 236.6 ml. Nutrition labels use a rounded 240 ml cup, and Canada and Australia use a 250 ml metric cup. In baking, measure dry ingredients level, or better, weigh them.