1/3 cup how many tbsp
The simple answer: 1/3 cup = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon (≈ 5.33 Tbsp). That’s the U.S. standard in 2025. Below you’ll find a quick chart, a real example, and common mistakes—plus a one-click link back to the instant converter.
Open the Tablespoons ↔ Cups CalculatorQuick Answer: There are approximately 5.33 tablespoons in 1/3 cup — that’s 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon.
Updated for 2025 · Applies to U.S. cups and tablespoons.
One-Third Cup Conversion (at a glance)
Tablespoons ↔ Cups
| Measure | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1/3 cup | 5 Tbsp + 1 tsp (≈ 5.33 Tbsp) |
| 2/3 cup | 10 Tbsp + 2 tsp (≈ 10.67 Tbsp) |
| 1 cup | 16 Tbsp |
| 1/2 cup | 8 Tbsp |
Takeaway: Memorize “5 Tbsp + 1 tsp” for 1/3 cup.
Related Conversions
- Teaspoons in 1/3 cup: 16 tsp (because 1 cup = 48 tsp)
- Fluid ounces in 1/3 cup: 2⅔ fl oz (≈ 2.67 fl oz)
- Tablespoons in 1 cup: 16 Tbsp
Real-World Example: Pancake Batter
A pancake recipe calls for 1/3 cup of oil, but you only have tablespoon and teaspoon measures. Use 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon. This keeps the fat content accurate, so the pancakes brown evenly without turning greasy.
Summary: 1/3 cup = 5 Tbsp + 1 tsp keeps texture and browning on point.
Common Mistakes (and easy fixes)
Confusing decimals and fractions
1/3 cup is 5.33 tablespoons, which is easier to do as 5 Tbsp + 1 tsp. Fractions are more “kitchen-friendly” than repeating decimals.
Takeaway: Think in 5 Tbsp + 1 tsp, not 5.33.
Mixing measurement systems
U.S. tablespoon ≈ 14.79 mL. Metric tablespoon = 15 mL. Australian tablespoon = 20 mL. The ratio stays the same inside each system, but volume per spoon changes across systems.
Takeaway: Stay within one system for best results.
Heaping spoons
A heaping tablespoon is not standard. For accuracy, use level spoons and a straight edge.
Takeaway: Level = repeatable results, especially in baking.
10-Second Method: Convert 1/3 cup without thinking
- Remember: 1/3 cup = 5 Tbsp + 1 tsp.
- Measure five level tablespoons.
- Add one level teaspoon.
- For everything else, use the Tablespoons ↔ Cups Calculator.
Summary: One neat combo is all you need—5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon.
Keep Converting
FAQ: 1/3 cup how many tbsp
Is 1/3 cup the same as 5 tablespoons?
Almost. 1/3 cup ≈ 5.33 tablespoons, which is best done as 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon in the kitchen (since 1 teaspoon is 1/3 of a tablespoon).
How many teaspoons are in 1/3 cup?
There are 16 teaspoons in 1/3 cup. That’s because 1 cup = 48 tsp, so 48 ÷ 3 = 16.
How many fluid ounces are in 1/3 cup?
2⅔ fluid ounces (≈ 2.67 fl oz). Since 1 cup = 8 fl oz, divide by 3 for one-third.
What about metric tablespoons?
A metric tablespoon is 15 mL (U.S. ≈ 14.79 mL; Australia 20 mL). The count relationship (5 Tbsp + 1 tsp) holds within each system, but the actual volume per spoon differs by country. For precision, switch to milliliters or use our instant converter.