Tablespoons to Grams Converter
Accurately convert between tablespoons and grams for any cooking ingredient using density-based calculations
Conversion Result
Quick Reference Chart
| Ingredient | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | 3 tbsp | 5 tbsp | 10 tbsp |
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Understanding Tablespoon to Gram Conversions
Converting tablespoons to grams is one of the most common challenges in cooking and baking. Unlike volume measurements such as cups and tablespoons, grams measure weight -- and the same tablespoon of different ingredients can weigh vastly different amounts. A tablespoon of honey weighs about 21 grams, while a tablespoon of flour weighs only about 9 grams. This difference exists because each ingredient has a unique density, which describes how much mass is packed into a given volume. Understanding this relationship is the key to accurate kitchen conversions.
Professional bakers and chefs around the world prefer weighing ingredients in grams rather than using volume measurements. The reason is precision: when you scoop flour into a tablespoon, you might pack it tightly or leave it loose, leading to significant variation in the actual amount. A gram scale eliminates this inconsistency. Studies have shown that volume measurements for dry ingredients like flour can vary by up to 20% from one scoop to the next. For recipes where ratios matter -- bread, pastry, and confections especially -- this variation can mean the difference between success and failure.
The standard tablespoon used in the United States and most English-speaking countries holds exactly 14.79 milliliters (commonly rounded to 15 mL). In Australia, a tablespoon is 20 mL, which is an important distinction when following recipes from different regions. This converter uses the international standard of 15 mL per tablespoon. When converting between tablespoons and grams, the formula is simple: grams = number of tablespoons multiplied by the ingredient's density in grams per tablespoon. Our tool stores verified density values for over 25 common cooking ingredients.
For everyday cooking, knowing a few key conversions by heart can save time. Water is the simplest: 1 tablespoon equals almost exactly 15 grams. Butter is close at 14.4 grams per tablespoon. Sugar sits at about 12.7 grams, and flour is the lightest common ingredient at around 9 grams per tablespoon. Heavier liquids like honey (21.3 g) and syrups tip the scales higher because their sugar content makes them denser than water. Bookmark this tool or print the reference chart below so you always have accurate conversions at your fingertips when a recipe calls for grams and you only have measuring spoons.
How to Use This Converter
- Select your ingredient from the dropdown menu. Choose from over 25 common cooking and baking ingredients organized by category (flours, sugars, fats, dairy, and more).
- Enter a value in either the Tablespoons field or the Grams field. The converter works in both directions -- type in one field and the other updates automatically.
- Use the quick-select buttons below each field for common amounts like 1/2 tbsp, 1 tbsp, 10g, 50g, and more.
- Click Convert to see your full results including tablespoons, grams, ounces, and cups equivalents in the result cards.
- Scroll down to view the printable reference chart showing gram values for multiple tablespoon amounts across all ingredients. Click Print Chart to create a handy kitchen reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grams are in 1 tablespoon of flour?
One level tablespoon of all-purpose flour weighs approximately 9 grams. This can vary slightly depending on how densely the flour is packed. Bread flour is marginally heavier at about 9.5 grams per tablespoon, while cake flour is lighter at roughly 8 grams. For the most accurate results, spoon the flour into the tablespoon and level it off with a straight edge rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Why do different ingredients weigh different amounts per tablespoon?
Each ingredient has a different density -- the amount of mass per unit of volume. Dense, heavy ingredients like honey (1.42 g/mL) pack more weight into the same space compared to light, airy ingredients like flour (0.59 g/mL). Liquids tend to be denser than dry powders because there is less air trapped between particles. This is why a tablespoon is not a universal weight measure and why converting by ingredient is essential for accuracy.
Is a tablespoon the same in every country?
No. In the United States, the United Kingdom, and most countries, a standard tablespoon is 15 milliliters. However, in Australia, a tablespoon is 20 milliliters -- roughly one-third larger. If you are following an Australian recipe and using a US tablespoon, you would need about 1.33 US tablespoons to match one Australian tablespoon. This converter uses the international standard of 15 mL.
How can I measure tablespoons without a measuring spoon?
If you do not have a measuring spoon, you can use common equivalents. One tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons, so you can use a teaspoon and triple the amount. It also equals approximately 1/16 of a cup or 15 milliliters. A regular dinner spoon (not a teaspoon) is typically close to a tablespoon in volume. For the most accuracy, though, a kitchen scale is always recommended -- just use this converter to find the gram weight and weigh your ingredient directly.
How do I convert grams back to tablespoons?
To convert grams to tablespoons, divide the weight in grams by the ingredient's grams-per-tablespoon density value. For example, if you have 36 grams of sugar and sugar weighs 12.7 grams per tablespoon, then 36 / 12.7 = approximately 2.83 tablespoons. This converter handles this calculation automatically -- simply enter the gram value in the Grams field and the tablespoon equivalent appears instantly.
What is the difference between a level tablespoon and a heaped tablespoon?
A level tablespoon is filled and then scraped flat across the top with a knife or straight edge, giving a consistent volume of 15 mL. A heaped (or heaping) tablespoon is filled and allowed to mound above the rim, which can hold 25-40% more ingredient depending on the item. All standard recipe measurements and this converter assume level tablespoons unless specifically stated otherwise. If a recipe calls for a heaped tablespoon, you can estimate approximately 1.3 to 1.4 level tablespoons as an equivalent.
Are these conversions accurate for baking?
Yes, the density values used in this converter are sourced from USDA food composition databases, culinary references, and verified cooking conversion charts. They represent standard, level tablespoon measurements. However, for critical baking projects (especially bread, pastry, and confections), we strongly recommend using a digital kitchen scale for the highest precision. Scooping technique, humidity, and ingredient brand can all cause minor variations. Use these conversions as a reliable reference, and a scale for professional-level accuracy.
