What is the smoke point of extra virgin olive oil?

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has a smoke point of approximately 375–405°F (190–207°C), depending on the acidity level and freshness. Lower acidity EVOO tolerates higher heat. It is suitable for sautéing and medium-heat cooking but not for high-heat frying, where refined or light olive oil (smoke point ~465°F / 240°C) is a better choice.

How many tablespoons are in a cup of olive oil?

There are 16 tablespoons in 1 US cup of olive oil (or any liquid). One US cup equals 237 ml, and one tablespoon equals 14.8 ml (often rounded to 15 ml). So 1 cup ÷ 15 ml per tablespoon = approximately 15.8 tablespoons, which rounds to 16.

How many ml in a tablespoon of olive oil?

One US tablespoon of olive oil equals 14.79 ml, commonly rounded to 15 ml in recipes. One teaspoon = 5 ml. Three teaspoons make one tablespoon. A 500 ml bottle of olive oil contains approximately 33 tablespoons or 100 teaspoons.

Olive Oil Guide: Grades, Smoke Points & Volume Conversions

Olive Oil Grades and Their Differences

The International Olive Council (IOC) defines olive oil grades based on extraction method, acidity level, and flavor profile. Choosing the right grade depends on how you plan to use the oil.

Grade	Max Acidity	Smoke Point (°F)	Smoke Point (°C)	Best Uses
Extra Virgin (EVOO)	0.8%	375–405°F	190–207°C	Dressings, dipping, low-medium sauté
Virgin	2.0%	390°F	199°C	Cooking, marinades
Refined	0.3%	465°F	240°C	High-heat frying, roasting
Light / Pure	0.3%	465°F	240°C	Baking, high-heat cooking
Pomace	1.0%	460°F	238°C	Deep frying (commercial)

Why the Smoke Point Matters

When oil is heated beyond its smoke point, it begins to break down and produce acrolein — an acrid compound that affects flavor and potentially health. EVOO's relatively moderate smoke point makes it ideal for finishing and medium-heat cooking. For high-heat applications like stir-frying or deep frying, refined olive oil, avocado oil (520°F / 271°C), or refined coconut oil are better choices.

Volume Conversion Table for Olive Oil

Olive oil is slightly less dense than water — 1 liter weighs approximately 910 g (water weighs 1,000 g per liter). This matters when converting between volume and weight in baking.

Measurement	ml	Tablespoons	Cups	Liters	Weight (g)
1 teaspoon	5 ml	0.33 tbsp	0.021 cup	0.005 L	~4.6 g
1 tablespoon	15 ml	1 tbsp	0.063 cup	0.015 L	~13.7 g
¼ cup	60 ml	4 tbsp	0.25 cup	0.060 L	~54.6 g
½ cup	118 ml	8 tbsp	0.5 cup	0.118 L	~107 g
1 cup	237 ml	16 tbsp	1 cup	0.237 L	~216 g
1 liter	1,000 ml	67.6 tbsp	4.23 cups	1 L	~910 g

Storing Olive Oil

Olive oil degrades from heat, light, and oxygen. Store it in a dark, cool cabinet — ideally between 57°F and 70°F (14°C–21°C). Avoid placing it next to the stove. A bottle opened frequently should be used within 30–60 days. Olive oil does not improve with age once bottled; use within 18–24 months of the harvest date printed on the label.

Convert cooking volumes with our volume converter.