cooking calculator

Tablespoons to Cups Converter

Convert tablespoons to cups and ounces when scaling recipes or meal-prep plans.

Results

Cups
0.50
Fluid ounces
4.00

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter tablespoons.
  2. See the equivalent in cups and fluid ounces instantly.

Inputs explained

Tablespoons
US tablespoon measure you want to convert.

How it works

1 US cup = 16 tablespoons. We divide by 16 for cups and multiply by 0.5 for fluid ounces.

Formula

Cups = tablespoons ÷ 16
Ounces = tablespoons × 0.5

When to use it

  • Scaling recipes up or down without messing up liquid ratios.
  • Switching between tablespoons and cups for meal prep containers.
  • Quick conversions when your measuring spoon set is missing a size.

Tips & cautions

  • These are US volume measures; metric tablespoons/cups differ slightly.
  • For dry ingredients, weight is more accurate—this is a quick kitchen estimate.
  • If you need teaspoons, remember 1 tbsp = 3 tsp.
  • Assumes US customary volumes, not metric.
  • Accuracy for dry goods varies because densities differ.

Worked examples

8 tbsp

  • 8 ÷ 16 = 0.5 cups
  • 8 × 0.5 = 4 fl oz

20 tbsp

  • 20 ÷ 16 = 1.25 cups

Deep dive

This tablespoons to cups converter instantly shows cups and fluid ounces from any US tablespoon amount. Enter tablespoons and get kitchen-friendly conversions without searching charts.

Use it to scale recipes, meal prep, or replace missing measuring cups. For dry ingredients, weights are still best—this is a fast volume estimate.

FAQs

Does this work for dry ingredients?
It’s perfect for liquids. For dry ingredients, measuring by weight is more accurate, but this helps in a pinch.
Is this US or metric?
US customary: 1 cup = 16 tbsp. Metric cups/tablespoons differ slightly.
How many teaspoons in a tablespoon?
3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon, so you can chain conversions if needed.
Can I use it for half tablespoons?
Yes. Enter decimals like 0.5 tbsp to see cup and ounce equivalents.
What about UK tablespoons?
UK tablespoons are often 15 mL like US, but some recipes vary. Verify the measure if exact precision is needed.

Related calculators

Results use US tablespoons/cups. Metric conversions may differ slightly.