Using the US Cup and measuring spoon, 6 tablespoons is equal to a 0.375 cup which can be approximated to 2/5 of a cup or one 1/3 cup size + 2 teaspoons.
Understanding the conversion of common cooking and baking tools such as cups, teaspoons, and tablespoons makes cooking and baking faster and increase your chances of success when trying out that new recipe
Mind you, all of the tools mentioned in this post are the standard sizes that you buy and not domestic cups and spoons.
Let us look at how we were able to convert 6 tablespoons to cups successfully.
Conversion table cups-spoons-volume
Accurate measurements are important, especially in sensitive efforts like baking. Cooking is not as sensitive to accurate measurements as the former.
This is why experienced bakers prefer to use weight measurements and not volume measurements because the former allows for a recipe to be replicated exactly every time. With volume measurements, there is a probability that you will not always get it right.
The table below makes common cooking measurement conversion easier for you when you need it.
| Cups | US Tablespoons | Volume (fl oz) | Volume (ml) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 16 tablespoons | 8 fl oz | 240ml |
| 3/4 cup | 12 tablespoons | 6 fl oz | 180ml |
| 2/3 cup | 10 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons | 5 fl oz | 160ml |
| 1/2 cup | 8 tablespoons | 4 fl oz | 120ml |
| 1/3 cup | 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon | 2.5 fl oz | 79ml |
| 1/4 cup | 4 tablespoons | 2 fl oz | 60ml |
| 1/6 cup | 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons | 1.25 fl oz | 40ml |
| 1/8 cup | 2 tablespoons | 1 fl oz | 30ml |
| 1/16 cup | 1 tablespoon | 1/2 fl oz | 15ml |
How to convert tablespoons to cups
The formula for converting tablespoons to cups is;
No. of tablespoons / no. of tablespoons in a cup
There are 16 tablespoons in a US cup.
1 tablespoon = 1/16 cup
Therefore:
6 tablespoons is equal to 6 x 1/16 = 3/8 or 0.375 cup.
No matter the cup type or tablespoon size you are using, the formula stays the same.
It is very easy to convert tablespoons to cups as both cups and spoons are volume measurements. The conversion table below will hopefully make it clearer.
What is a measuring tablespoon?
A tablespoon is a volume measurement of 15 ml where 3 teaspoons make a tablespoon. Measuring teaspoons and tablespoons have a fixed volume unlike cutlery teaspoons and tablespoons we use at the dining table which is subject to the manufacturer’s wishes
There are about 5 types of tablespoons used by most of the human population.
The most common ones are the US customary tablespoon which has a volume of 15 ml as stated above, the metric tablespoon used in the UK, Commonwealth countries, Canada, etc has a volume of 15 ml also and the Australian spoon that has a volume of 20 ml.
what is a measuring cup?
According to Wikipedia, a cup is a cooking measure of volume ‘commonly associated with cooking and serving sizes‘. It is often abbreviated in recipes and tables with the letter ‘c’.
The US standard cup is 236.58 exactly but is often approximated to 240 ml, the legal cup 240ml, the Uk cup is 250ml and the Australian, Canadian, and South African Cup are also 250ml since they use the same metric measuring system as the UK.
In most parts of the world, a cup has other smaller sizes for easier measurement such as the 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup, quatre cup, etc.
How to measure liquid ingredients
Liquid ingredients are easier to measure than dry/solid ingredients for many reasons.
Some assume that cups are best used for dry ingredients which isn’t true. Liquids are most accurate when measured by volume (so far you know the volume of the cup you are using) and dry ingredients by weight.
To accurately measure liquids using cups, you should place them on a flat surface and make sure to fill them to the brim to cover the entire volume of the cup
So don’t feel like you need to have a liquid measuring cup with graduated markings for your measurement to be accurate though, a liquid measuring cup (the transparent one that looks like a pitcher) is better than a traditional measuring cup for measuring liquids.
how to measure dry ingredients
Dry ingredients are most commonly measured by cups or a kitchen scale.
Unless otherwise indicated, a cup, teaspoon, or tablespoon in any recipe calls for a leveled cup or spoon.
Using more than that or not leveling your tools can mess up your cooking outcome because you are using more than the recipe indicated.
A leveled ingredient means using a spoon to scoop the ingredient into the cup/spoon to a slight heap then using the back of a knife, slide a knife across the cup and you have a leveled measurement
measuring tips
When measuring ingredients with cups and spoons, here are some tips that ensure accuracy:
- Break up clumps before measuring your ingredients
- Sieve ingredients such as flour for better accuracy and a lighter recipe turnout.
- If using measuring cups for liquid, ensure that you fill the cups to the brim to get the full volume of the cup size
- Level spoons and cups with a knife for accuracy. Avoid using heaps unless indicated because it changes the quantity of the ingredient.
- Preferably, spoon your ingredients into the cup and not scooping it up with the cup, etc.
These are some of the tips that will help you measure your ingredients accurately though not always impactful when baking, it can make or break your recipe.
faq on tablespoons to cups
does 6 tablespoons equal 1/4 of a cup
No. 6 tablespoon is less than a 1/4 cup. 6 tablespoons is equal to a 1/3 cup + 2 teaspoons
Does 6 tablespoons equal 1/3 of a cup?
No. 6 tablespoon is more than a 1/3 cup. 6 tablespoons is equal to a 1/3 cup + 2 teaspoons.
Does 6 tablespoons equal half a cup?
No. 6 tablespoons do not equal a half cup. 6 tablespoons is equal to a 3/8 cup or approximately 2/5 cup.
How much is 6 tablespoons of butter in cups?
1 cup of butter = 16 tablespoons. 6 tablespoons of butter = a 3/8 cup of butter or one 1/3 cup + 2 teaspoons of butter.
conclusion
There is a 0.375 US cup in 6 tablespoons or a 2/5 cup or one 1/3 cup + 2 teaspoons from 6 tablespoons.
Both cups and tablespoons are volume measurements hence, it is easier to convert one to the other. Just remember to use proper techniques when or methods when making your measurements
Have a nice day!
