How tablespoons become grams
A spoon's volume and the ingredient's density determine its estimated mass.
grams = tablespoons × millilitres per tablespoon × density in g/ml; tablespoons = grams ÷ density ÷ millilitres per tablespoon
- Choose tablespoons to grams or grams to tablespoons and enter the amount.
- Select an ingredient's approximate average density or enter a positive custom density in g/ml.
- Choose the spoon standard. Metric and UK spoons hold 15 ml, US spoons about 14.787 ml, and Australian spoons 20 ml.
- Multiply tablespoons by spoon volume and density for grams. Divide grams by density and spoon volume to go back.
Worked example: 2 level metric tablespoons of flour: 2 tbsp × 15 ml × 0.53 g/ml = 15.9 g. This is an estimate for spooned and levelled flour.
One metric tablespoon by ingredient
| Ingredient | Grams | Millilitres equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Water: 1.00 g/mL | 15 g | 15 ml |
| Milk: 1.03 g/mL | 15.45 g | 15 ml |
| Vegetable oil: 0.92 g/mL | 13.8 g | 15 ml |
| Honey: 1.42 g/mL | 21.3 g | 15 ml |
| Butter (melted): 0.91 g/mL | 13.65 g | 15 ml |
| Granulated sugar: 0.85 g/mL | 12.75 g | 15 ml |
| Brown sugar (packed): 0.93 g/mL | 13.95 g | 15 ml |
| Plain/all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled): 0.53 g/mL | 7.95 g | 15 ml |
| Table salt: 1.20 g/mL | 18 g | 15 ml |
Swipe the table sideways to see the rest.
Each row uses one level 15 ml tablespoon and the listed approximate average density. Flour is spooned and levelled, brown sugar packed, and butter melted.
Things to consider
- Spoon flour loosely and level it without pressing it down.
- Heaped spoons have no fixed volume, so weigh them instead.
- Brown sugar uses a packed density; butter uses a melted density.
- Check the recipe's spoon standard before measuring.
Frequently asked questions
How many grams are in a tablespoon?
It depends on the ingredient and spoon size. One level metric tablespoon holds 15 ml, so multiply 15 by the density in g/ml. Water is about 15 g, while spooned and levelled flour is about 7.95 g. These are estimates, not universal weights.
How much do butter, sugar, flour, salt and honey weigh?
Using the listed average densities, one level 15 ml tablespoon is about 13.65 g of melted butter, 12.75 g of granulated sugar, 7.95 g of spooned and levelled plain flour, 18 g of table salt, or 21.3 g of honey. Packing, preparation and temperature can change these weights.
Why are Australian tablespoons 20 ml?
Australian measuring spoons use a 20 ml tablespoon convention, equal to four 5 ml teaspoons. Metric and UK tablespoons use 15 ml, or three 5 ml teaspoons. Check the recipe and measuring spoon rather than assuming all tablespoons match.
What is the difference between US and metric tablespoons?
A US customary tablespoon is exactly 14.78676478125 ml, usually shown as 14.79 ml. A metric tablespoon is 15 ml, about 1.4% larger. The Millilitres to Tablespoons Converter uses the same spoon definitions.
Are level and heaped tablespoons the same?
No. A level spoon is filled to its rim and levelled off. A heap adds an unknown volume that depends on the ingredient and how it is scooped. This converter assumes level measuring spoons. For baking accuracy, weigh ingredients.
How do I convert grams back to tablespoons?
Divide grams by density to find millilitres, then divide by your spoon's volume. For example, 30 g of water at 1 g/ml fills 30 ml, or 2 metric tablespoons. Use the Millilitres to Grams Converter for the volume calculation, or the Grams to Ounces Converter to change mass units.
Results are estimates for general information only, not financial, medical or professional advice.