tablespoons to cups — Easy Tbsp → Cup Converter (Updated 2025)

Quick Answer: cups = tablespoons ÷ 16. Example: 8 Tbsp ÷ 16 = 0.5 cup.

Updated for 2025 · U.S. standard measures.

Common Tbsp → Cup Conversions (at a glance)

Tablespoons to Cups

Tablespoons (Tbsp)Cups
1 Tbsp1/16 cup (≈ 0.0625)
2 Tbsp1/8 cup (0.125)
3 Tbsp3/16 cup (0.1875)
4 Tbsp1/4 cup (0.25)
6 Tbsp3/8 cup (0.375)
8 Tbsp1/2 cup (0.5)
12 Tbsp3/4 cup (0.75)
16 Tbsp1 cup
24 Tbsp1 1/2 cups
32 Tbsp2 cups

Takeaway: Divide tablespoons by 16 to get cups—works every time.

Related Shortcuts

  • 1 Tbsp = 3 tsp
  • 1 cup = 8 fl oz = 16 Tbsp
  • 1/3 cup ≈ 5 Tbsp + 1 tsp
  • 2/3 cup ≈ 10 Tbsp + 2 tsp
Pro tip: If you’re scaling recipes, convert everything to tablespoons first, then back to cups for clean fractions.

Real-World Example: Brown Butter Sauce

The recipe needs 6 tablespoons of butter, but your measuring cup is out. Convert: 6 ÷ 16 = 0.375 cup (that’s 3/8 cup). If your cup has 1/8 markings, fill to 3/8—no guessing.

Summary: 6 Tbsp = 3/8 cup. The formula keeps you precise and fast.

Need another conversion? Open the instant calculator.

Common Mistakes (and easy fixes)

Rounding too early

Rounding 10 Tbsp to 0.5 cup is tempting, but the exact is 0.625 cup (5/8 cup). Early rounding can dry out batters or oversalt soups.

Takeaway: Convert, then round at the end if the recipe allows.

Mixing systems

U.S. tablespoon ≈ 14.79 mL, metric tablespoon = 15 mL, Australian tablespoon = 20 mL. The ratio to cups holds within each system, but volumes per spoon differ.

Takeaway: Stay consistent in one system, or switch to mL for precision.

Heaping vs. level spoons

Heaping isn’t standard. Always measure level tablespoons using a straight edge—especially for baking.

Takeaway: Level spoons = repeatable results.

10-Second Method: tablespoons to cups

  1. Remember: 1 cup = 16 Tbsp.
  2. Use the formula: cups = Tbsp ÷ 16.
  3. Know the big ones: 4 Tbsp = 1/4 cup, 8 Tbsp = 1/2 cup, 12 Tbsp = 3/4 cup.
  4. For tricky amounts, use the Tablespoons ↔ Cups Calculator.

Summary: Divide by 16—simple mental math in the kitchen.

Keep Converting

FAQ: tablespoons to cups

How many cups is 10 tablespoons?

Divide by 16: 10 ÷ 16 = 0.625 cup (that’s 5/8 cup).

How many cups is 12 tablespoons?

0.75 cup (that’s 3/4 cup), because 12 ÷ 16 = 0.75.

How many cups is 2 tablespoons?

1/8 cup, since 2 ÷ 16 = 0.125 cup.

© 2025 RecipeMeasurements.com · Updated for accuracy in 2025