This detailed guide includes everything you need to know about tablespoons, ounces, how many ounces are in a tablespoon, and how to convert tablespoons to dry and liquid ounces.
How many ounces are in a tablespoon?
There are 0.5 ounces in one tablespoon (1 tbsp = ½ oz). This refers to fluid ounces which are used for liquids.
The number of dry ounces in a tablespoon will vary from one ingredient to another (discussed in detail later in this article).
How can this information be helpful in the kitchen? If you don’t have tools to measure ounces or are outside the US, you can use a tablespoon for measuring.
What is a tablespoon?
A tablespoon is a unit to measure volume that can be used for both dry and liquid ingredients. The size of a measuring tablespoon varies by region.
In the United States, a tablespoon is approximately 14.8 ml (0.50 US fl oz), while in the UK and Canada, a tablespoon is 15 ml. The Australian tablespoon is the largest and is set at 20 ml.
One tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons, except in Australia, where one tablespoon equals 4 teaspoons.
A tablespoon is abbreviated as “tbsp,” “T,” or “Tb,” while a teaspoon is abbreviated as “tsp” or “t.”
What is an ounce?
An ounce is a unit of measurement that can be used for both liquid and dry ingredients. As a unit of weight, an ounce is approximately 28.35 grams which is 1/16 of a pound.
A fluid ounce is a measure of volume that is used for liquids. One US fluid ounce is equal to 29.57 milliliters.
Fluid ounces vs. dry ounces
A fluid ounce is used to measure volume and is used for liquids, while a dry ounce is used to measure weight and is used for dry ingredients.
Tbsp vs. oz: What is the difference between a tablespoon and an ounce?
A tablespoon is equal to 14.8 mL, while an ounce is equal to 29.574 mL. In addition, an ounce can be used both as a unit to measure volume and weight, while a tablespoon is used to measure volume.
How many fluid ounces are in a tablespoon?
One tablespoon has 0.5 fluid ounces (1 tbsp = 0.5 fl oz).
How to convert tablespoons to fluid ounces?
Both fluid ounces and tablespoons are used to measure volume, so the conversion of tablespoons to fluid ounces is straightforward. To convert any number of tablespoons to fluid ounces, just multiply it by 0.5.
For example, to convert 2 tablespoons to fluid ounces, we can multiply 2 by 0.5, giving us 1 fluid ounce. Some common conversions for fluid ounces:
- 2 tbsp to oz = 1 fluid ounce (fl oz)
- 4 tbsp to oz = 2 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- 8 tbsp to oz = 4 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- 12 tbsp to oz = 6 fluid ounces (fl oz)
Another way to do the conversion: 2 tablespoons equals 1 fluid ounce, so 1 tablespoon will be 1 divided by 2. So, to convert any number of tablespoons to fluid ounces, we can divide by 2.
(Similarly, to convert fluid ounces to tablespoons, we can multiply fluid ounces by 2. You can also see this detailed ounces to tablespoons conversion guide with charts).
Tablespoons to fluid ounces conversion chart (tbsp to fl oz)
Below is a chart showing the conversion of tablespoons (tbsp) to fluid ounces (fl oz). Fluid ounces are used for liquids like water, tea, milk, etc. All the conversions refer to US measurements.
- ¼ tablespoon (tbsp) is equal to 0.125 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- ½ tablespoon (tbsp) is equal to 0.25 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- 1 tablespoon (tbsp) is equal to 0.5 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- 2 tablespoons (tbsp) is equal to 1 fluid ounce (fl oz)
- 3 tablespoons (tbsp) is equal to 1.5 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- 4 tablespoons (tbsp) is equal to 2 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- 5 tablespoons (tbsp) is equal to 2.5 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- 6 tablespoons (tbsp) is equal to 3 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- 7 tablespoons (tbsp) is equal to 3.5 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- 8 tablespoons (tbsp) is equal to 4 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- 9 tablespoons (tbsp) is equal to 4.5 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- 10 tablespoons (tbsp) is equal to 5 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- 12 tablespoons (tbsp) is equal to 6 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- 14 tablespoons (tbsp) is equal to 7 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- 16 tablespoons (tbsp) is equal to 8 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- 18 tablespoons (tbsp) is equal to 9 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- 20 tablespoons (tbsp) is equal to 10 fluid ounces (fl oz)
How many dry ounces are in a tablespoon?
The number of dry ounces in a tablespoon will depend on the ingredient. Dry ounces refer to dry ingredients like sugar, flour, salt, etc.
How to convert tablespoons to dry ounces?
Dry ounces measure weight, while tablespoons measure volume. So, converting tablespoons to dry ounces takes some work. Below you can see how to do the calculations; however, if you are not interested in them, you can skip over to the conversion chart of common ingredients.
The conversion can be done in different ways. Just remember that one dry ounce weighs 28.35 grams which is 1/16th of a pound, and one tablespoon is approximately 15 ml.
Method 1
The most accurate method is to weigh a tablespoon of an ingredient on a kitchen scale.
If your kitchen scale has ounces as a unit of measurement: Weigh a tablespoon of an ingredient, and the value in ounces is your answer. Super simple!
If your kitchen scale has only grams as a weight measure: Weigh a tablespoon of the ingredient. Then divide the value you get by 28.35. This will give you ounces in a tablespoon.
For example, one tablespoon of XYZ ingredient weighs 14 grams. We will divide 14 by 28.35, which is 0.5. So one tablespoon of XYZ has 0.5 dry ounces.
The formula: Weight of a tablespoon of the ingredient in grams ÷ 28.35 = Ounces of the ingredient in a tablespoon.
Method 2
The second method involves using the density of an ingredient (g/ml). We can multiply that by 15. This will give us the approximate weight of an ingredient in one tablespoon in grams. Then divide that value by 28.35 to get the number of ounces in a tablespoon.
But honestly, this is more complicated. You need to know the density of each ingredient, and it will not consider how your tablespoon is packed and other factors.
Tablespoons to dry ounces conversion chart (tbsp to oz)
To make it easier, I have included a chart showing ounces in one tablespoon of common kitchen ingredients. However, these values are approximate. The most accurate method is still measuring on the kitchen scale and, if necessary, doing a conversion.
You can also pin, save or print the charts!
A list of common dry ingredients with the conversion of tablespoons (tbsp) to ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of all-purpose flour is equal to 0.266 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of almond flour is equal to 0.21 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of applesauce is equal to 0.56 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of baking powder is equal to 0.44 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of baking soda is equal to 0.6 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of dried bread crumbs is equal to 0.25 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of bread flour is equal to 0.27 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of butter is equal to 0.5 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of chickpea flour is equal to 0.19 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of chocolate chips is equal to 0.37 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of cinnamon is equal to 0.29 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of cocoa powder is equal to 0.268 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of coconut flour is equal to 0.28 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of cornstarch is equal to 0.25 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of cream cheese is equal to 0.5 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of dates chopped is equal to 0.33 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of dry whole milk powder is equal to 0.22 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of ghee is equal to 0.37 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of gluten-free all-purpose flour is equal to 0.34 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of oat flour is equal to 0.2 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of peanut butter is equal to 0.6 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of quinoa flour is equal to 0.25 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of table salt is equal to 0.625 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of semolina flour is equal to 0.36 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of sour cream is equal to 0.5 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of brown sugar is equal to 0.45 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of granulated sugar is equal to 0.436 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of powdered sugar is equal to 0.28 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of tapioca starch is equal to 0.25 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of vanilla extract is equal to 0.5 ounces (oz).
- One tablespoon of instant yeast is equal to 0.3 ounces (oz).
How to use measuring tablespoons for liquids?
When using a measuring tablespoon, fill it just up to the level of the brim. Also, keep the container you want to add the ingredient into close by to prevent any spills.
It is best to measure large quantities of liquids using a liquid measuring cup made of transparent material with markings. It also has a pouring spout which prevents spillage.
How to use measuring tablespoons for dry ingredients?
There are different ways to fill a tablespoon. Most of the time, unless a recipe specifies, a tablespoon is filled as a level tablespoon. A level tablespoon is filled to the top. Like a measuring cup, the top surface is leveled, and excess is removed using a straight knife edge. This is closest to one tablespoon.
Other types of tablespoons are scant (which is filled till just below the brim), rounded (filled with an ingredient equally below and above the brim, close to 2 tablespoons), and heaped (which is filled as much as possible).
How to measure using a kitchen scale?
A kitchen scale can be a great tool to measure and make conversions much more effortless.
The following tips may help you measure the dry ingredients accurately:
- Step 1: Place the kitchen scale on a level surface and switch it on.
- Step 2: Set a container on the scale and hit the tare button to adjust the reading to 0.
- Step 3: Add a tablespoon of an ingredient to the container and note the measurement value.
- Step 4: Perform any required calculation or conversion, if necessary.
Takeaway
There are 0.5 fluid ounces in one tablespoon. The number of dry ounces in a tablespoon will vary depending on the ingredient. The best way to know the dry ounces in a tablespoon is to use a kitchen scale to weigh the ingredients.
More useful conversions: