How many mL are in a tablespoon?

One US tablespoon equals exactly 14.7868 mL. In the metric/Australian tablespoon system, one tablespoon equals exactly 20 mL. The UK tablespoon is 17.7582 mL.

How do I convert 5 mL to tablespoons?

5 mL divided by 14.787 = 0.338 US tablespoons, which is approximately 1 teaspoon. In fact, 1 US teaspoon is defined as exactly 4.929 mL, so 5 mL is very close to 1 teaspoon.

Why do different countries have different tablespoon sizes?

Tablespoon sizes vary because they evolved from actual spoons used in different cultures. The US standardized at approximately 14.79 mL, Australia at 20 mL, and the UK at about 17.76 mL. For precision, always check which tablespoon standard a recipe uses.

How to Convert Milliliters to Tablespoons - Formula & Chart

The Milliliters to Tablespoons Formula

The conversion depends on which tablespoon standard you are using:

US Tablespoons = mL ÷ 14.787

Metric/Australian Tablespoons = mL ÷ 20

The US tablespoon (14.787 mL) is the most commonly referenced in American recipes, while Australian and some international recipes use the 20 mL metric tablespoon. Always check which standard your recipe uses.

Step-by-Step Examples

Example 1: Converting 30 mL to US Tablespoons

Calculation: 30 ÷ 14.787 = 2.03 tablespoons.
Result: 30 mL = approximately 2 US tablespoons.

Example 2: Converting 100 mL to US Tablespoons

Calculation: 100 ÷ 14.787 = 6.76 tablespoons.
Result: 100 mL = approximately 6 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons.

Example 3: A Medicine Dose of 10 mL

Calculation: 10 ÷ 14.787 = 0.676 tablespoons.
Result: 10 mL = approximately 2 teaspoons (since 1 tsp = 4.929 mL, 10 mL = 2.03 tsp).

Quick Reference Table

Milliliters	US Tablespoons	US Teaspoons	Metric Tablespoons
5 mL	0.34	1.01	0.25
10 mL	0.68	2.03	0.50
15 mL	1.01	3.04	0.75
20 mL	1.35	4.06	1.00
30 mL	2.03	6.09	1.50
50 mL	3.38	10.14	2.50
100 mL	6.76	20.29	5.00
250 mL	16.91	50.72	12.50

Real-World Applications

Medicine Dosing

Liquid medications are measured in milliliters, but many people reach for kitchen spoons. A standard dose of cough syrup is often 10 mL or 15 mL. Using the correct measurement tool is important because kitchen tablespoons vary in size and can lead to underdosing or overdosing.

Cooking with International Recipes

European and Asian recipes typically use milliliters for liquid ingredients, while American recipes use tablespoons and cups. Converting accurately ensures your dish turns out as intended.

Bartending

Cocktail recipes may list ingredients in mL (especially from international sources) or tablespoons. A standard bar pour of 30 mL equals 2 US tablespoons. Precise measurement matters for balanced cocktails.

Important Note on Tablespoon Sizes

Always confirm which tablespoon standard your source uses. An Australian tablespoon (20 mL) is 35% larger than a US tablespoon (14.787 mL). Using the wrong standard can significantly affect your results. For instant conversions, use our volume converter.