This detailed guide includes everything you need to know about teaspoons, ounces, how many teaspoons are in an ounce, and how to convert dry and liquid ounces to teaspoons.
How many teaspoons are in an ounce?
There are six teaspoons in an ounce (1 fl oz = 6 tsp) and there are 0.167 fluid ounces in a teaspoon.
This is true for fluid ounces which are used for liquids. The answer is a bit tricky for dry ounces which is discussed in detail later in this article.
Well, why is this conversion important? If you don’t have a way to measure an ounce for your recipe or you are outside of the US and you only have teaspoons, you can use a teaspoon for measuring the ingredients. However, for larger quantities, it is very hard to measure by teaspoons, and in such cases, it’s best to use measuring cups.
What is a teaspoon?
A teaspoon is a unit to measure volume. A US teaspoon is defined as ⅙ fluid ounce, 1/3rd of a tablespoon, and 1/48 cup.
The size of a tablespoon can vary depending on the region and the measurement system being used.
- In the metric system, one teaspoon is equal to 5 mL.
- In the US customary system, one teaspoon is equal to 4.93 mL.
- In the US, for nutrition labeling, 1 teaspoon is equal to 5 mL
The teaspoon is abbreviated as “tsp” or “t”. In comparison, a tablespoon is abbreviated as “tbsp”, “T” or “Tb”.
It’s important to know these abbreviations as there is a big difference in the size of each. (One tablespoon is equal to 3 teaspoons).
A brief history: Spoons have been used since olden times. The term “teaspoon” first appeared in a British advertisement in 1686, referring to a spoon specifically for tea, which was growing in popularity at that time.
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.
A fluid ounce is used for fluids and it is the measure of volume. In the U.S. system, one fluid ounce equals approximately 29.57 milliliters.
Fluid ounces vs dry ounces
The term ‘fluid ounces’ is a measure of volume, typically used for liquids, while ‘dry ounces’ is a measure of weight, generally used for dry ingredients.
A brief history: The term “ounce” was derived from the Latin word “uncia” which represented 1/12 of a Roman copper bar, and was utilized as a tool for measuring both an ounce’s weight and an inch’s length. However, due to the changes introduced by the English system, the ounce became defined as 1/16 of a pound.
How many teaspoons are in a fluid ounce (liquid)?
One fluid (liquid) ounce has 6 teaspoons, 1 fl oz = 6 tsp.
How to convert fluid ounces to teaspoons?
Both fluid ounces and teaspoons are units of volume measurement. So, the conversion of fluid ounces to teaspoons is pretty straightforward (just like liters and gallons).
To convert any number of fluid ounces to teaspoons, just multiply it by 6. For example, to convert 3 fluid ounces to teaspoons, we will multiply 3 by 6 which will give us 18 teaspoons. (3 fluid ounces x 6 = 18 teaspoons).
Common conversions are:
- 1/4 oz to tsp: The answer is 1.5 tsp
- ½ oz to tsp: The answer is 3 tsp
- 2 oz to tsp: The answer is 6 tsp
- 4 oz to tsp: The answer is 24 tsp
- 6 oz to tsp: The answer is 36 tsp
To convert teaspoons to fluid ounces, we can divide by 6. You can also see this detailed guide on teaspoons to ounces conversion.
Fluid ounces to teaspoons conversion chart
Below you can find a chart that shows the conversion of fluid ounces (fl oz) to teaspoons (tsp). As mentioned earlier, this is true only for liquids like water, tea, milk, etc.
- ¼ fluid ounce (fl oz) is equal to 1.5 teaspoons (tsp)
- ⅓ fluid ounce (fl oz) is equal to 2 teaspoons (tsp)
- ½ fluid ounce (fl oz) is equal to 3 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 fluid ounce (fl oz) is equal to 6 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1.5 fluid ounces (fl oz) is equal to 9 teaspoons (tsp)
- 2 fluid ounces (fl oz) is equal to 12 teaspoons (tsp)
- 2.5 fluid ounces (fl oz) is equal to 15 teaspoons (tsp)
- 3 fluid ounces (fl oz) is equal to 18 teaspoons (tsp)
- 3.5 fluid ounces (fl oz) is equal to 21 teaspoons (tsp)
- 4 fluid ounces (fl oz) is equal to 24 teaspoons (tsp)
- 4.5 fluid ounces (fl oz) is equal to 27 teaspoons (tsp)
- 5 fluid ounces (fl oz) is equal to 30 teaspoons (tsp)
- 6 fluid ounces (fl oz) is equal to 36 teaspoons (tsp)
- 7 fluid ounces (fl oz) is equal to 42 teaspoons (tsp)
- 8 fluid ounces (fl oz) is equal to 48 teaspoons (tsp)
- 9 fluid ounces (fl oz) is equal to 54 teaspoons (tsp)
- 10 fluid ounces (fl oz) is equal to 60 teaspoons (tsp)
How many teaspoons are in a dry ounce?
The number of teaspoons in a dry ounce can vary from one ingredient to another. When we say, dry ounce, we are talking about dry ingredients like sugar, flour, salt, etc.
How to convert dry ounces to teaspoons?
Teaspoons measure volume, however, the dry ounce is a measure of weight. Converting between different types of units requires some calculations. (There is a chart of conversion for common ingredients below the calculation part)
We can make the conversions in different ways. Just remember that one dry ounce weighs 28.35 grams which is 1/16th of a pound.
Method 1
One way is to use the density of an ingredient which is in g/ml and multiply that by 4.93 (~5, we will use 5 for easier calculations). This will give the approximate weight of an ingredient in one teaspoon.
Then divide 28.35 by the approximate weight of the teaspoon of the ingredient. This will give us the number of teaspoons in an ounce. But, honestly, it is not easy to find the right density of each and every ingredient.
Method 2
Another way, which is the ideal way, is to weigh one teaspoon of any ingredient on a kitchen scale.
If your scale gives value only in grams: Weigh one teaspoon of the ingredient. Note the value you get in grams. Then divide 28.35 by the value you got. This will give you teaspoons in a dry ounce of that particular ingredient.
For example, 1 teaspoon of an ingredient weighs 4 grams. The number of teaspoons in an ounce will be 28.35 divided by 4, which is approx. 7 teaspoons. (28.35 ÷ 4 = 7 teaspoons).
The formula here is: 28.35 ÷ weight of one teaspoon of the ingredient in grams = Total number of teaspoons of the ingredient in one ounce
If your scale can weigh in ounces: This is the simplest of all. For example, a teaspoon of an ingredient weighs 0.1 ounces. 0.1 ounces = 1 teaspoon, so 1 ounce will be 1 divided by 0.1. This will be 10 teaspoons (tsp) in one oz.
The formula here is: 1 ÷ weight of one teaspoon of the ingredient in ounces = Total number of teaspoons of the ingredient in one ounce
Dry ounces to teaspoons conversion chart of common ingredients
If you do not want to enter the wizard of calculations, you can refer to the charts below which shows the conversion of ounces to teaspoons for common ingredients. You can save the charts by clicking right on them (you can print them too!). You can also pin the charts for future reference.
The two ingredients for which we commonly need this conversion are sugar and salt, so I have put them on top.
- How many teaspoons in an ounce of salt? There are 4.76 teaspoons in an ounce of table salt.
- How many teaspoons in an ounce of sugar? There are 10.6 teaspoons in an ounce of sugar (powdered).
A list of common dry ingredients with the conversion of ounces (oz) to teaspoons (tsp).
- 1 ounce (oz) of all-purpose flour = 11.29 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of almond flour = 14.22 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of applesauce = 5.33 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of baking powder = 6.8 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of baking soda = 4.92 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of dried bread crumbs = 12 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of bread flour = 11.29 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of buckwheat flour = 11.29 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of butter = 6 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of chickpea flour = 16 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of chocolate chips = 8 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of cinnamon = 10.4 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of cocoa powder = 11.2 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of coconut flour = 10.67 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of cornstarch = 12 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of cream cheese = 6 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of dates-chopped = 9.14 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of dry whole milk powder = 13.7 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of ghee = 8 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of gluten-free all-purpose flour = 8.73 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of oat flour = 14.77 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of peanut butter = 5.05 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of quinoa flour = 12.2 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of table salt = 4.76 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of semolina flour = 8.35 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of sour cream = 6 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of brown sugar = 6.6 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of granulated sugar = 6.85 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of powdered sugar = 10.6 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of tapioca starch = 12 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of vanilla extract = 6 teaspoons (tsp)
- 1 ounce (oz) of instant yeast = 10 teaspoons (tsp)
How to use measuring teaspoons for liquid ingredients?
Liquid measuring cups are the best to measure liquid ingredients, however for smaller quantities, one can use a measuring teaspoon.
When measuring with a teaspoon, make sure to fill it up to the level of the brim. Also, keep the container to which you need to transfer the ingredient nearby. This will prevent any spillage during the transfer of the ingredient.
How to use measuring teaspoons for dry ingredients?
There are different ways to fill a teaspoon with a dry ingredient. If a recipe does not specify, most of the time, it is considered to be a level teaspoon.
- Scant teaspoon: A scant teaspoon means the dry ingredient is filled till just below the brim. So, the ingredient will be slightly less than one teaspoon.
- Level teaspoon: A level teaspoon is filled to the top. The top surface is leveled and excess is removed by using a straight edge of the knife. This is the same way, a measuring cup is filled. A level teaspoon is closest to one teaspoon.
- Rounded teaspoon: A rounded teaspoon is filled with an ingredient in a way that it has the same amount of an ingredient below and above the brim. So, it is considered close to two teaspoons.
- Heaping teaspoon: A heaping teaspoon is filled with an ingredient to a level as much as possible. It can have 3-4 or even more teaspoons.
How to measure dry ingredients on a kitchen scale?
The following measures may help you in measuring the dry ingredients accurately.
- Step 1: Place your kitchen scale on a flat surface and turn it on.
- Step 2: Place a container on the scale and press the tare button to reset the value to 0.
- Step 3: Add a teaspoon of the ingredient to the container and note the measurements.
- Step 4: Make the necessary calculations, if needed.
Takeaway
There are 6 teaspoons in one fluid ounce. This is true only for liquids like water, tea, etc. The number of teaspoons in one dry ounce will vary depending on the ingredient. The best way to convert ounces to teaspoons is to use a kitchen scale to weigh the ingredients and do the conversion.
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