Grams to Tablespoons Converter
Convert grams to tablespoons for any ingredient instantly
Perfect for cooking and baking with support for multiple ingredients and accurate density calculations
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Result
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How to Use the Converter
- 1
Select Your Ingredient
Expand the "Select ingredient" menu and choose from common cooking ingredients like butter, flour, sugar, honey, and more. Our database includes 20+ popular ingredients.
- 2
Choose the Type (if applicable)
For some ingredients like sugar or oil, select a specific type from the "Type" dropdown to get more accurate conversions (e.g., brown sugar vs granulated, olive oil vs vegetable oil).
- 3
Enter a Value
Type a number in either the Grams field or the Tablespoons field. The conversion will be calculated automatically as you type, with no need to press a button.
- 4
Select Spoon Type
Choose between standard tablespoons (15 ml) or US tablespoons (14.79 ml) from the dropdown next to the Tablespoons input. This ensures accuracy for your region.
- 5
View Results
The "Result" section displays the converted values along with the ingredient's density (grams per tablespoon) for your reference and verification.
- 6
Share or Reset
Use the Share button to copy a link to your calculation, or click Clear to reset all values and start a new conversion.
Pro Tip: Real-Time Conversion
The conversion updates instantly as you type. You can modify either the grams or tablespoons value, and the other will adjust automatically based on your selected ingredient's density. No need to wait or refresh!
Understanding Grams to Tablespoons
Converting between grams and tablespoons isn't straightforward because it depends on the ingredient's density. Different ingredients have different weights for the same volume, making this conversion more complex than simple unit conversion.
Key Concept: Density
Density is the mass of an ingredient per unit volume. One tablespoon of honey weighs much more than one tablespoon of flour because honey is denser. This is why we can't use a single conversion ratio for all ingredients.
This converter uses ingredient-specific density values to ensure accurate conversions. Examples:
Water
1 tbsp ≈ 15 g
Flour
1 tbsp ≈ 9 g
Butter
1 tbsp ≈ 14.4 g
Honey
1 tbsp ≈ 21 g
Standard vs US Tablespoons
Standard Tablespoon
15 ml
Also known as Metric tbsp, commonly used in UK, Canada, Australia, and most other countries. This is the metric standard globally recognized.
US Tablespoon
14.79 ml
Used primarily in the United States. Slightly smaller than the standard tablespoon, but the difference is minimal for most recipes.
Important to Know
The difference between these two spoon types is approximately 1.4%, which might seem negligible. However, in precise baking recipes (especially for cakes, pastries, and breads), this small difference can accumulate and make a noticeable difference in the final result. Our converter lets you choose which type to use for maximum accuracy.
Weight vs Volume: Which Is Better?
Both weight and volume measurements have their place in cooking and baking, but they serve different purposes. Understanding the pros and cons of each will help you choose the right method for your needs.
Weight (Grams)
✅ Advantages:
More accurate, consistent, and reliable. Professional chefs and bakers prefer weight for precision. Results are reproducible regardless of how ingredients are packed.
❌ Disadvantages:
Requires a kitchen scale, which not everyone has readily available. Initially slower than using spoons, though it's more reliable in the long run.
Volume (Tablespoons)
✅ Advantages:
Convenient and quick to measure. Requires no special equipment (just standard measuring spoons). Great for everyday cooking and casual recipes.
❌ Disadvantages:
Less precise due to how ingredients are packed, leveled, or heaped into the spoon. Results can vary significantly depending on packing technique.
Our Recommendation
🍰 For Baking: Weight measurements in grams are strongly recommended, especially for cakes, pastries, and breads. Baking is chemistry, and precision matters.
🍳 For Everyday Cooking: Volume measurements like tablespoons are usually sufficient. Everyday cooking is more forgiving than baking.
Using Custom Ingredients
Don't see your ingredient in our extensive list? No problem! You can create a custom ingredient by defining its density. This makes the converter flexible and adaptable to any ingredient you need.
Follow these simple steps:
Select "Custom ingredient" from the ingredient dropdown
Enter the weight in grams for one tablespoon of your ingredient
The converter will use your custom density to perform accurate conversions
How to Find the Weight of One Tablespoon
- Place a standard measuring tablespoon on a kitchen scale
- Add your ingredient to fill it level (not heaped)
- Note the weight displayed on the scale
- This weight in grams is your ingredient's density per tablespoon
Tips for Accurate Conversions
Level Your Spoons
When measuring by volume, always level off the top with a straight edge to ensure consistency. Avoid heaping or packing ingredients—use the standard "scoop and level" method.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Temperature can affect ingredient density slightly. Room temperature is the standard for most recipes, so bring ingredients to room temperature before measuring when precision matters.
Consider Ingredient Variations
Different brands or sources may have slightly different densities. The values in this converter are averages and may vary by ±5%. Results may differ slightly from commercial products.
For Baking, Use Grams
If precision is critical (especially in baking), always weigh ingredients in grams rather than relying on volume conversions. Baking is precise and requires exact measurements.
Account for Packing
Densities can vary significantly based on how loosely or tightly ingredients are packed. Lightly scooped and leveled is the most common standard used in our converter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What's the difference between metric and US tablespoons?▼
A: A metric tablespoon is 15 ml, while a US tablespoon is 14.79 ml. The difference is about 1.4%, which is usually negligible in cooking but can be significant in precision baking. Our converter lets you choose which standard to use.
Q:Why do different ingredients have different grams-to-tablespoons ratios?▼
A: Because ingredients have different densities. Lighter ingredients like flour weigh less per tablespoon, while denser ingredients like honey or oil weigh more. This converter accounts for these differences automatically.
Q:How accurate is this converter?▼
A: This converter uses average ingredient densities and is accurate for most cooking and baking purposes. However, variations in brand, packing, and moisture content can cause ±5% differences. For critical baking, a kitchen scale is recommended for maximum accuracy.
Q:Can I measure dry ingredients and liquids the same way?▼
A: Yes, but dry ingredients are more prone to packing variations. For dry ingredients, always level off the top of the spoon. For liquids, the conversion is more straightforward since density is more consistent.
Q:How many tablespoons are in a cup?▼
A: There are 16 US tablespoons in 1 cup. For metric measurements, 1 metric cup is approximately 13.3 metric tablespoons.
Q:What should I do if my ingredient isn't in the list?▼
A: Select "Custom ingredient" and enter the weight (in grams) of one tablespoon of your ingredient. Measure it on a scale by filling a level tablespoon for the most accurate result.
Ingredient Weight Reference Chart
Reference values for common ingredients. Values are approximate and may vary slightly based on density, brand, and packing method.
| Ingredient | 1 US tbsp | 1 tbsp (15ml) | Calories per tbsp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 14.8 g | 15 g | 0 kcal |
| Milk | 15.2 g | 15.5 g | 9 kcal |
| Flour (all-purpose) | 8.9 g | 9 g | 34 kcal |
| Sugar (granulated) | 12.5 g | 12.7 g | 48 kcal |
| Salt | 18 g | 18.3 g | 0 kcal |
| Honey | 21 g | 21.3 g | 64 kcal |
| Butter | 14.2 g | 14.4 g | 102 kcal |
| Olive Oil | 13 g | 13.2 g | 119 kcal |
| Coconut Oil | 13.6 g | 13.6 g | 117 kcal |
| Cacao Powder | 7.7 g | 7.8 g | 12 kcal |
| Nutella | 18.6 g | 19 g | 100 kcal |
| Maple Syrup | 19.5 g | 19.8 g | 52 kcal |
| Peanut Butter | 16 g | 16 g | 94 kcal |
| Avocado | 15 g | 15 g | 20 kcal |
Tablespoons in a Cup
Need to know how many tablespoons are in a cup? Here are the most common conversions for US measurements:
1 cup = 16 tablespoons
1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons
1/3 cup ≈ 5.33 tablespoons
1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons
These conversions use US standard measurements. Different cup sizes and measurement systems may produce different results.
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