Teaspoon

A teaspoon (tsp) is a unit of volume in the U.S. customary and imperial systems of measurement. Teaspoons are mostly used as a cooking measure in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. The definition of the teaspoon varies depending on region.

US, Canada, UK

The teaspoon used in the US is referred to as the US teaspoon. In Canada, the UK, and other countries, the teaspoon used is referred to as the metric teaspoon. In these cases:

3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon

Although the relationship between the teaspoon and tablespoon is the same in the US, UK, and Canadian (metric) teaspoons, their volumes differ.

1 teaspoon (US) = 4.929 mL

1 teaspoon (metric) = 5 mL

1 teaspoon (imperial) = 5.919 mL

Australia:

Australia also uses the metric teaspoon, so:

1 teaspoon = 5 mL

However, Australia's definition of the tablespoon differs in that:

4 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon

Thus, Australian tablespoons are larger (20 mL) than US (~15 mL), metric (15 mL), and imperial (17.758 mL) tablespoons.

Common measurements used in cooking

Teaspoons, like tablespoons, cups, and fluid ounces, are volume measurements that are mostly used in cooking. Recipes often use different measurements based on preference or region, so being able to convert between various measurements of volume can be helpful. Below is a table that shows the approximate relationships between some commonly used measures in cooking. The table is based on US customary definitions of the measures.

To convert more exactly between the above measures, use the following equivalences:

1 tsp = 1/3 tbsp = 1/6 fl oz = 1/48 cup = 5 mL