🧪 Volume Converter

Cups to Tablespoons
( cup → tbsp )

Instantly convert US cups to US tablespoons. Enter any value below and get an accurate result with the full formula and reference table.

Converter Tool
cup
tbsp
Result
1 cup = 16 tbsp
16
tbsp
The Formula
tbsp = cup × 16
1 US cup = 8 fluid ounces = 16 tablespoons (since 1 fl oz = 2 tbsp). This relationship is exact in US customary units.

How to Convert Cups to Tablespoons

To convert US cups to US tablespoons, multiply the number of cups by 16. This is because one cup is defined as 8 fluid ounces, and each fluid ounce contains 2 tablespoons.

Step-by-Step Example

Let’s convert 2 cups to tablespoons:

1. Multiply by 16: 2 × 16 = 32
2. So 2 cups equals 32 tbsp.

For a smaller amount, 0.5 cup × 16 = 8 tbsp.

When You’d Use Each Unit

Cups are commonly used in the US for measuring ingredients like flour, sugar, milk, or water in recipes. Tablespoons are used for measuring ingredients like oil, honey, or flour. Converting between them helps scale recipes accurately and understand serving sizes.

Conversion Table

Common cups values converted to tablespoons — typical values highlighted.

Cups (cup) Tablespoons (tbsp) Approximate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert cups to tablespoons quickly? +
Multiply the number of cups by 16. For example, 3 cups × 16 = 48 tbsp.
How many tablespoons are in a cup? +
There are 16 tablespoons in one US cup.
What is 1 cup in tbsp? +
1 cup = 16 tbsp.
What is 1 tbsp in cups? +
1 tbsp = 1/16 cup = 0.0625 cup.
Is this the same for UK cups? +
No, UK cups are larger (≈284 mL) and the tablespoon relationship differs. This converter uses US customary units.
Can I convert tablespoons back to cups with this tool? +
Yes! Just type a value into the tablespoons field and the cups field updates automatically. Or use the ⇄ swap button to switch directions.
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