Quick Conversion
1 US cup = 16 tablespoons
Cups = Tablespoons ÷ 16. This ratio is fixed and does not depend on the ingredient, because both units measure volume.
Tablespoons to Cups
Sixteen level US tablespoons make one US cup, a fixed volume ratio that needs no ingredient density.
Tablespoons to Cups Chart
Tablespoons to Cups
| tbsp | Cups |
|---|---|
| 1 tbsp | 0.06 cup |
| 2 tbsp | ⅛ cup |
| 4 tbsp | ¼ cup |
| 8 tbsp | ½ cup |
| 12 tbsp | ¾ cup |
| 16 tbsp | 1 cup |
| 24 tbsp | 1 ½ cups |
| 32 tbsp | 2 cups |
How the Conversion Works
Because a tablespoon and a cup are both volume measurements, the ratio between them never changes, whether you are measuring flour, sugar, butter, or a liquid. Use a standard measuring spoon and level the top for dry ingredients, or fill to the rim for liquids.
A US tablespoon is about 14.8 millilitres. UK and Australian tablespoons use slightly different volumes, so recheck the ratio when following a non-US recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tablespoons are in a cup?
There are exactly 16 level US tablespoons in one US cup, regardless of the ingredient.
How many tablespoons are in a half cup?
Half a US cup equals 8 tablespoons.
Does the tablespoons-to-cups ratio change for different ingredients?
No. Tablespoons and cups are both volume units, so the 16:1 ratio applies to flour, sugar, butter, and liquids alike.