Milliliters to Tablespoons Converter

Converting Milliliters to Tablespoons

Converting milliliters to tablespoons is essential when following international recipes. Most of the world uses metric measurements (ml), while US recipes use tablespoons. This converter helps you accurately measure liquids for cooking and baking.

Conversion Standards

• US Tablespoon: 15 milliliters (standard in this calculator)
• UK Tablespoon: 20 milliliters
• Australian Tablespoon: 20 milliliters
• Metric Tablespoon: 15 milliliters (same as US)

Note: This calculator uses US standard (15ml = 1 tbsp). For UK/Australian recipes, multiply result by 0.75.

Common Conversions

Small Amounts

• 5ml = 0.33 tbsp (1 teaspoon)
• 10ml = 0.67 tbsp (2 teaspoons)
• 15ml = 1 tbsp
• 20ml = 1.33 tbsp
• 30ml = 2 tbsp

Medium Amounts

• 45ml = 3 tbsp
• 60ml = 4 tbsp (1/4 cup)
• 75ml = 5 tbsp
• 90ml = 6 tbsp
• 120ml = 8 tbsp (1/2 cup)

Large Amounts

• 180ml = 12 tbsp (3/4 cup)
• 240ml = 16 tbsp (1 cup)
• 360ml = 24 tbsp (1.5 cups)
• 480ml = 32 tbsp (2 cups)

Understanding Volume Measurements

US Volume System

• 1 teaspoon = 5ml
• 1 tablespoon = 15ml (3 teaspoons)
• 1 fluid ounce = 30ml (2 tablespoons)
• 1 cup = 240ml (16 tablespoons)
• 1 pint = 480ml (2 cups)
• 1 quart = 960ml (4 cups)

Metric System

• 1 milliliter (ml) = 0.001 liter
• 1 liter = 1000ml
• 1 liter = 67.6 US tablespoons
• 1 liter = 4.2 US cups

When to Use This Conversion

Following International Recipes

European, Australian, and most international recipes use milliliters. Converting to tablespoons helps if you only have US measuring spoons.

Precise Liquid Measurements

For baking, precise liquid measurements matter. Converting ml to tbsp ensures accuracy when your recipe lists metric measurements.

Scaling Recipes

When scaling recipes up or down, converting between ml and tbsp helps maintain proper ratios.

Measuring Tips

Using Measuring Spoons

1. Use level tablespoons, not heaping
2. Fill to the brim, check at eye level
3. For sticky liquids, spray spoon with oil first
4. Pour slowly to avoid overflow

Using Measuring Cups

1. Place on level surface
2. Pour liquid to desired line
3. Check at eye level for accuracy
4. Don't lift cup to check - keep on surface

Using Digital Scale

1. Place container on scale, press tare
2. Add liquid until desired weight
3. For water: 1ml = 1g (at room temperature)
4. Most accurate method

Liquid Density Variations

While 1 tbsp = 15ml for most liquids, very viscous liquids may vary:

• Water, milk, oil: 15ml = 1 tbsp (standard)
• Honey, syrup: Slightly more volume due to surface tension
• Heavy cream: 15ml = 1 tbsp (same as water)
• Alcohol: 15ml = 1 tbsp (same as water)

For practical purposes, 15ml = 1 tbsp works for all cooking liquids.

Recipe Conversion Examples

Example 1: European Recipe

Recipe calls for: 45ml olive oil

Conversion: 45ml ÷ 15 = 3 tablespoons

Example 2: Australian Recipe

Recipe calls for: 60ml milk

Conversion: 60ml ÷ 15 = 4 tablespoons (US) or 3 tablespoons (Australian)

Note: Australian tbsp = 20ml, so 60ml = 3 Australian tbsp

Example 3: Scaling Recipe

Original recipe: 30ml vanilla extract

Doubling recipe: 60ml = 4 tablespoons

Common Cooking Liquids

Oils

• Olive oil: 15ml = 1 tbsp = 14g
• Vegetable oil: 15ml = 1 tbsp = 14g
• Coconut oil (melted): 15ml = 1 tbsp = 14g

Dairy

• Milk: 15ml = 1 tbsp = 15g
• Heavy cream: 15ml = 1 tbsp = 15g
• Buttermilk: 15ml = 1 tbsp = 15g

Liquids

• Water: 15ml = 1 tbsp = 15g
• Broth: 15ml = 1 tbsp = 15g
• Vinegar: 15ml = 1 tbsp = 15g
• Soy sauce: 15ml = 1 tbsp = 16g

Regional Differences

US vs UK/Australia

US Standard: 1 tbsp = 15ml

UK/Australia Standard: 1 tbsp = 20ml

When following UK or Australian recipes, be aware they use larger tablespoons. If recipe says "1 tbsp" and you're using US spoons, you'll need 1.33 US tablespoons.

Tips for Accurate Measuring

1. Use proper measuring spoons: Not eating spoons - they vary in size
2. Level off liquids: Fill to brim, check at eye level
3. Use metric for precision: If you have metric measuring tools, use them
4. Check recipe origin: UK/Australian recipes use different tablespoon size
5. For baking, be precise: Small differences matter in baking
6. For cooking, approximate: Soups and stews are more forgiving

Equipment Recommendations

• Measuring spoons: Metal set with 1 tbsp, 1 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1/4 tsp
• Liquid measuring cup: Glass with ml and cup markings
• Digital scale: For very precise measurements
• Graduated cylinder: For scientific precision (rarely needed in cooking)