tablespoons to cups
The core relationship is simple: 1 cup = 16 tablespoons. To convert tablespoons to cups, use cups = tablespoons ÷ 16. Below you’ll find quick charts, a real example, and common mistakes—plus a one-click link back to the instant converter.
Open the Tablespoons ↔ Cups CalculatorQuick 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 Tbsp | 1/16 cup (≈ 0.0625) |
2 Tbsp | 1/8 cup (0.125) |
3 Tbsp | 3/16 cup (0.1875) |
4 Tbsp | 1/4 cup (0.25) |
6 Tbsp | 3/8 cup (0.375) |
8 Tbsp | 1/2 cup (0.5) |
12 Tbsp | 3/4 cup (0.75) |
16 Tbsp | 1 cup |
24 Tbsp | 1 1/2 cups |
32 Tbsp | 2 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
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.
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
- Remember: 1 cup = 16 Tbsp.
- Use the formula: cups = Tbsp ÷ 16.
- Know the big ones: 4 Tbsp = 1/4 cup, 8 Tbsp = 1/2 cup, 12 Tbsp = 3/4 cup.
- 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.