Measure of volume

It is also a measure of volume used in cooking. It has various values around the world. It is abbreviated in English as T., tbs. or tbsp., and in German and Dutch as EL (from Esslöffel and Eetlepel). Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the UK and the United States21 CFR 101.9(b)(5)(viii) define:

1 tablespoon = 15 mL,

in line with the definition used in many other countries. In Australia, one tablespoon = 20 mL.

When used for solids, such as granulated sugar, it should be measured to the flattened level of the spoon — level spoonful versus a heaping spoonful or heaped tablespoon, which is as much as can be held in the spoon, or a rounded spoonful, which is twice a level spoonful, the solids above the level roughly mirroring those in the bowl.

Relationship to teaspoon

In most jurisdictions, one tablespoon equals three teaspoons. In Australia, however, one tablespoon is four teaspoons.

In Asia a tablespoon is equivalent to 2 teaspoons

Traditional definitions

The traditional U.S. interpretation of the tablespoon as a unit of volume is:Mechtly, E. A: The International System of units. NASA-SP=7012, 1964, 1973 1

1 U.S. tablespoon = ½ U.S. fl. oz. (approx. 14.787 mL)

1 U.S. tablespoon = 1/16 Cup

This is considered problematic in the context of nutrition labeling, where metric units are used even in the United States. However, this consideration does not lessen the factual relationship of a tablespoon to half of a fluid ounce, and tablespoons can be used to measure ingredients when other measuring devices are unavailable. For instance, 16 tablespoons is equivalent to one cup.

See also

Teaspoon, also used to define quantities in recipes