Cup to Tablespoon Converter

Convert Cups to Tablespoons

How to Convert Cups to Tablespoons

Converting cups to tablespoons is a common task in cooking and baking. Here's how to do it accurately:

Cup to Tablespoon Conversion Formula

For US cups:

\[ \text{Tablespoons} = \text{Cups} \times 16 \]

For Metric cups:

\[ \text{Tablespoons} = \text{Cups} \times 16.67 \]

Where:

  • Cups is the volume in cups
  • 16 or 16.67 is the number of tablespoons in one cup, depending on the cup type

Calculation Steps

  1. Determine the number of cups you want to convert
  2. Identify whether you're using US or Metric cups
  3. Multiply the number of cups by 16 (for US cups) or 16.67 (for Metric cups)
  4. The result is the equivalent number of tablespoons

Example Calculation

Let's convert 2.5 US cups to tablespoons:

  1. Number of cups: 2.5
  2. Cup type: US
  3. Calculation: 2.5 × 16 = 40 tablespoons

Cup to Tablespoon Conversion Diagram

0 1 2 3 4 Cups 0 16 32 48 64 Tablespoons US Cups Metric Cups

The diagram shows the linear relationship between cups and tablespoons. The blue line represents US cups, while the red line represents Metric cups. Note the slight difference in slope due to the different conversion factors.

Tips for Accurate Cup to Tablespoon Conversion

  • Always check your recipe to see if it specifies US or Metric cups
  • For precise measurements, use a kitchen scale when possible
  • Remember that 1 US cup is slightly smaller than 1 Metric cup
  • When in doubt, it's better to use slightly less than to overdo it
  • For dry ingredients, use the "scoop and level" method for accurate cup measurements

Quick Navigation