What is the Difference Between Tablespoon and Teaspoon

The main difference between tablespoon and teaspoon is that tablespoon has a capacity of about 15ml while teaspoon has a capacity of 5ml.

Tablespoon and teaspoon are two very common units of measurements we use in cooking. Mixing up these measurements can make a big difference in your cooking. A tablespoon is actually equal to three teaspoons. Moreover, tablespoon is commonly abbreviated as tbsp. while teaspoon is commonly abbreviated as tsp.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Tablespoon
     – Definition, Uses, Measurement
2. What is a Teaspoon
     – Definition, Uses, Measurement
3. What is the Relationship Between Tablespoon and Teaspoon
      – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Tablespoon and Teaspoon
      – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Tablespoon, Teaspoon, Measurement

What is a Tablespoon

A tablespoon is a large spoon for serving food. It is also used as a cooking measure of volume. This unit of measurement is equal to 15 ml. It is also equal to 1/16 cup, 3 teaspoons, or 1/2 fluid ounce. However, according to Australian measurements, 1 tablespoon is equal to 20ml (i.e., 4 teaspoons).

1 tablespoon is about 1 typical large dinner spoon. This is the spoon we usually used to serve food, like soup, cereals or spaghetti.  In cookbooks, you might see the word tablespoon abbreviated as tbsp. When a recipe calls for dry ingredients like sugar or flour (for example, mix 1tbsp. of cornflour with water), there are two basic measurements. When the recipe calls for a leveled tablespoon, you have to measure it by filling the spoon with the ingredient and scraping it level. In contrast, when the recipe calls for a heaped or rounded tablespoon, the ingredient should not be leveled off and should include a heap above the spoon.

What is a Teaspoon

A teaspoon is a small spoon that holds about 2ml. The size of a teaspoon can actually range from 2.5 to 7.3 ml. However, as a unit of measurement in cooking, it is equal to 1/3 tablespoon. According to US measurements, there are 6 teaspoons in 1 fluid ounce, and there are 16 teaspoons in 1/3 cup. In cookbooks, you might see the word tablespoon abbreviated as tsp.

We generally use teaspoons for adding sugar to and stirring hot drinks like tea or coffee or for eating some foods (ex: yoghurt, desserts, etc.) The head of a teaspoon is usually oval in shape. Moreover, teaspoons are a common part of place setting.

Relationship Difference Between Tablespoon and Teaspoon

• Both are common measurements used in recipes.
• Mixing the two measurements can make your dish taste really bad; for example, if you add 1 tbsp. instead of 1 tsp. salt, your dish will be too salty to eat.
• When a recipe calls for a leveled spoon, you have to measure it by filling the spoon with the ingredient and scraping it level. In contrast, when the recipe calls for a heaped or rounded spoonful, the ingredient should not be leveled off and should include a heap above the spoon.

Difference Between Tablespoon and Teaspoon

Definition

A tablespoon is a large spoon used for serving food while a teaspoon is a smaller spoon used for stirring or adding sugar to tea or coffee.

Measurement

While a tablespoon holds about 15ml, a teaspoon holds 5ml. Therefore, a tablespoon is actually equal to three teaspoons.

Uses

Tablespoons are used for serving and eat some types of food like cereals while teaspoons are used for adding sugar to and stirring hot drinks like tea or coffee or for eating some foods.

Abbreviations

Moreover, tablespoon is commonly abbreviated as tbsp. while teaspoon is commonly abbreviated as tsp.

Conclusion

Tablespoons are used for serving and eat some types of food like cereals while teaspoons are used for adding sugar to and stirring hot drinks like tea or coffee or for eating some foods. While a tablespoon holds about 15ml, a teaspoon holds 5ml. Therefore, a tablespoon is actually equal to three teaspoons. This is the main difference between tablespoon and teaspoon.

Reference:

1. “Tablespoon.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 15 June 2020, Available here.
2. “Teaspoon.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 17 June 2020, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Sauce, soy sauce, spoon, tablespoon, spice, cook, ingredient, cooking ingredients, shell, bowl, food” (CC0) via Pikist
2. “616637” (CC0) via Pixabay