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Teaspoon Conversion Table
This comprehensive teaspoon conversion table shows how various units relate to teaspoons (US, metric). Use this reference for quick conversions between teaspoons and other common volume units.
This teaspoon conversion reference table provides accurate conversion factors for both metric and imperial/US customary units. All values are based on internationally recognized standards for maximum precision in cooking, scientific, and engineering applications.
What is a Teaspoon?
A teaspoon (tsp) is a unit of volume commonly used in cooking recipes and medical prescriptions. The metric teaspoon used in the US is defined as exactly 5 milliliters (mL). This unit is part of the US customary system of measurement and is smaller than a tablespoon, which equals 3 teaspoons. Our teaspoon conversion tool helps you easily convert between teaspoons and other units. For example, 1 teaspoon equals approximately 0.1667 fluid ounces or 0.0208 cups.
What is the SI of Teaspoon?
The teaspoon is not an SI unit, but it relates to SI units through its definition as 5 milliliters. The milliliter (mL) is derived from the SI base unit for volume, the cubic meter (m³), where 1 mL equals 1/1,000,000 of a cubic meter. All other volume units in the metric system are derived from the cubic meter, making conversions between teaspoons and SI units straightforward:
- Cubic meter (m³) = 200,000 teaspoons
- Liter (L) = 200 teaspoons
- Milliliter (mL) = 0.2 teaspoons
- Cubic centimeter (cm³) = 0.2 teaspoons
What are Teaspoons Used For?
Teaspoons are used in a wide range of applications, primarily in cooking, baking, and medicine. As a convenient small-volume measurement, teaspoons provide a standard for measuring liquid and dry ingredients in recipes. Our teaspoon conversion calculator is especially useful for:
Cooking & Baking
Measuring small quantities of ingredients like salt, sugar, spices, and extracts. For example, a typical recipe might call for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or 0.5 teaspoons of baking soda.
Medicine
Administering liquid medications and supplements. For example, a common dosage might be 1-2 teaspoons of cough syrup.
Science & Research
Laboratory measurements for small-volume experiments and sample preparations. For example, adding 0.2 teaspoons (1 mL) of a reagent to a solution.
Manufacturing
Product formulations for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products. For example, ensuring a medication contains exactly 0.1 teaspoons (0.5 mL) of an active ingredient.
Etymology and History
The word "teaspoon" originated in 1686 in London when it was advertised as a cutlery spoon that held a perfect measure for tea. The abbreviation "tsp" became standardized in recipe books over time. Originally, the size varied by region and maker, but the metric teaspoon used in the US was standardized at exactly 5 milliliters in the 20th century. This definition differs slightly from the UK teaspoon, which is approximately 5.9 milliliters. The evolution of the teaspoon reflects the development of standardized measurements for culinary and scientific applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the teaspoon a common unit for small measurements?
The teaspoon became a standard unit because it represents a convenient volume for small quantities in cooking and medicine. Its size is practical for measuring ingredients without requiring specialized equipment. The metric teaspoon (5 mL) provides a standardized measurement that simplifies volume conversions across different systems. This consistency is essential for accurate recipe preparation and medication dosing.
How accurate is the teaspoon measurement?
The metric teaspoon used in the US is precisely defined as 5 milliliters, making it an exact measurement. However, actual kitchen teaspoons may vary slightly in capacity. For critical applications like medication dosing, it's recommended to use a calibrated measuring spoon or syringe. Our teaspoon converter tool provides precise conversions with up to 10 decimal places for scientific accuracy.
What's the difference between US and UK teaspoons?
The US metric teaspoon is defined as exactly 5 milliliters, while the traditional UK teaspoon is approximately 5.9 milliliters. This difference is important when converting recipes or measurements between systems. For precise conversions, use our teaspoon conversion calculator which distinguishes between US and UK measurements. When in doubt, check the source of your recipe to determine which standard applies.
How do I convert teaspoons to other units?
Use our teaspoon conversion calculators above, or multiply by the appropriate conversion factor. For example, to convert teaspoons to tablespoons, divide by 3; to convert teaspoons to milliliters, multiply by 5. For detailed instructions on converting teaspoons to cups, visit our tsp to cup converter. Our tool also handles conversions to imperial units like fluid ounces with high precision.
What are common uses for teaspoon conversion?
Teaspoon conversion is essential in cooking (recipe scaling), medicine (dosage calculations), chemistry (solution preparation), and food manufacturing (product formulations). Whether adjusting a family recipe or preparing laboratory solutions, our teaspoon converter tool simplifies these everyday tasks. The ability to convert between teaspoons and larger units like cups or gallons is particularly useful in commercial food preparation.
How does teaspoon conversion differ from other volume units?
Compared to other small volume units, the teaspoon provides a convenient intermediate measurement. One teaspoon equals 5 milliliters, which is larger than a microliter (0.005 mL) but smaller than a tablespoon (15 mL). This relationship makes teaspoon conversion particularly useful for scaling recipes and medical dosages. Our converter handles the complex ratios between all volume units, ensuring accuracy in both small and large measurements.
Can I convert very small or very large measurements in teaspoons?
Yes, our teaspoon converter handles both extremely small and large measurements with precision. For laboratory work, convert microliters to teaspoons (1 µL = 0.0002 tsp). For large volumes, convert gallons to teaspoons (1 gal = 768 tsp). Our smart rounding feature ensures readable results for all scales while maintaining internal precision for scientific applications.
Is your teaspoon conversion tool free to use?
Yes, our teaspoon conversion calculator is completely free with no registration required. Simply enter your value, select your target unit, and get instant, accurate results. We believe precise measurement conversion should be accessible to everyone, from home cooks following recipes to professionals working on complex formulations.