Trying to find out how many tablespoons in an ounce? You’re not alone! This kind of information is very useful when converting a recipe. Accurate measurements are important, especially for baking where changing ingredient ratios can easily ruin the results.
The US Customary System includes several units of volume, including tablespoons and cups. Once you know how to convert between these two units and ounces, you’ll have a much easier time scaling recipes up or down.
How Many Tablespoons In An Ounce?
The ounce-to-tablespoon conversion is an easy one. One tablespoon is half an ounce, so there are 2 tablespoons in an ounce.
Multiply the number of ounces to find out how many tablespoons are equivalent.
#Tablespoons = # Ounces x 2
Here are some examples:
- 1 Ounce = 2 Tablespoons
- 2 Ounces = 4 Tablespoons
- 4 Ounces = 8 Tablespoons
- 6 Ounces = 12 Tablespoons
- 8 Ounces = 16 Tablespoons
- 10 Ounces = 20 Tablespoons
Most conversions between ounces and tablespoons are done using the U.S. tablespoon. We’ll also be using it throughout this guide.
How To Convert Tablespoons To Ounces
1 Tablespoon = 1/2 Ounce
Based on this information, you’ll need to divide the number of tablespoons by 2, when converting to ounces. Here’s the formula:
#Ounces = #Tablespoons /2
Here’s a simple conversion chart for tablespoons, cups, teaspoons, ounces, and milliliters to help you measure your ingredients faster.
| Tablespoons | Fluid Ounces | Teaspoons | Cups | Milliliters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 tbs | 8 fl oz | 48 tsp | 1 cup | 237 |
| 12 tbs | 6 fl oz | 36 tsp | ¾ cup | 177 |
| 10 2/3 tbs | 4 ⅔ fl oz | 32 tsp | ⅔ cup | 156 |
| 8 tbs | 4 fl oz | 24 tsp | ½ cup | 118 |
| 5 1/3 tbs | 2 ⅓ fl oz | 16 tsp | ⅓ cup | 78 |
| 4 tbs | 2 fl oz | 12 tsp | ¼ cup | 59 |
| 2 2/3 tbs | 1 ⅓ fl oz | 8 tsp | 1/6 cup | 39 |
| 2 tbs | 1 fl oz | 6 tsp | ⅛ cup | 30 |
| 1 tbs | ½ fl oz | 3 tsp | 1/16 cup | 15 |
What Is A Tablespoon?
A tablespoon is a common unit of volume measurement used in cooking in the United States. It’s part of the US customary system which comes from the UK’s imperial system.
In recipes, you’ll often find the US tablespoon in the abbreviated form “tbsp“, “tbs”, or “tb“. One tablespoon is equivalent to ½ fluid ounce or 3 teaspoons.
The United Kingdom switched to the metric system in the early 20th century. While most of their recipes use the metric system, they still use some imperial measurement units for cooking.
What Is An Ounce?
An ounce, “oz“, in abbreviated form, is a unit of weight measurement commonly used in the United States to find out the weight of an object.
It’s also used to measure ingredients in cooking and baking. One ounce equals 4 tablespoons or 28 grams.
When you want to be extra precise with your measuring, the ounce is the most accurate unit to use.
What Is A Fluid Ounce?
A fluid ounce, abbreviated as “fl oz”, is a unit of volume commonly used to measure liquids. One fluid ounce is equal to 2 tablespoons, or 30 milliliters.
Ounces Vs. Fluid Ounces
An ounce is a unit of weight measurement, while a fluid ounce is used to measure volume.
In cooking and baking, it’s best to measure dry ingredients in ounces, and wet ingredients in fluid ounces.
When a recipe calls for a wet ingredient in ounces, it’s referring to fluid ounces and should be measured in a liquid measuring cup. When a dry ingredient is listed in ounces, it means it’s the weight measurement unit and you’ll need to use a kitchen scale.
Measuring Dry Ingredients
Dry ingredients such as flour, sugar, and cocoa can be measured by weight or volume.
Some recipes will call for dry ingredients measured by volume (such as in cups, tablespoons, or teaspoons), while others require weight measurement, which is typically in ounces.
The most accurate way to measure dry ingredients is by weight, and you’ll need a kitchen scale for that.
I do love the comfort of volume measuring, and you’ll find many of my recipes use it for simplicity. This no-knead bread, for example, comes out perfect even if you don’t weigh the dry ingredients.
When using a cup or another unit of volume to measure a dry ingredient, simply fill it and level it off using a finger or a spatula in one sweeping motion. The key to getting the correct amount is making sure you don’t under or overpack it.
Key takeaway: Measure dry ingredients in ounces, if possible.
Measuring Liquids
In general, liquids are measured by volume, with cups and fluid ounces being the most common units used for this.
Keep in mind there are cups specifically made for measuring fluids. Having both liquid and dry measuring cups will make cooking and baking so much easier!
The liquid measuring cup is designed specifically for this. It has measurement lines marking the volume so you can measure smaller amounts with ease.
For an accurate measurement, fill the cup to the appropriate line, place it on a flat surface, and keep it at eye level.
Key takeaway: Use a liquid measuring cup for wet ingredients.
You can use the table below for basic conversions between liquid measures:
| 1 Tablespoon | ½ Fluid ounce |
| 1 Cup | 8 Fluid ounces |
| 1 Pint | 16 Fluid ounces |
| 1 Quart | 32 Fluid ounces |
| 1 Gallon | 128 Fluid ounces |
Can I Use The Same Measuring Cup For Liquid And Dry Ingredients?
Not recommended! The liquid and dry measuring cups have the same volume but each is best for its intended purpose.
Having both is a small investment and totally worth it if you cook and bake often.
Baking Conversions
The conversion chart below can help you quickly switch between cups, tablespoons, teaspoons, ounces, and grams.
| Ingredient | Cups | Tablespoons | Ounces | Teaspoons | Grams |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butter (2 sticks) | 1 cup | 16 tbs | 8 oz | 48 tsp | 226 g |
| White Sugar | 1 cup | 16 tbs | 7 oz | 48 tsp | 200 g |
| Brown Sugar | 1 cup | 16 tbs | 6 ⅓ oz | 48 tsp | 180 g |
| Icing Sugar | 1 cup | 16 tbs | 4 ¼ oz | 48 tsp | 120 g |
| Honey | 1 cup | 16 tbs | 12 oz | 48 tsp | 340 g |
| Salt | – | – | – | 1 tsp | 5 g |
| All Purpose Flour | 1 cup | 16 tbs | 4 ½ oz | 48 tsp | 130 g |
| Self Raising Flour | 1 cup | 16 tbs | 4 ⅓ oz | 48 tsp | 125 g |
| Bread Flour | 1 cup | 16 tbs | 4 ½ oz | 48 tsp | 127 g |
| Yeast | – | 1 tbs | – | 3 tsp | 9.3 g |
| Cornstarch | – | – | – | 1 tsp | 3.3 g |
| Oats | 1 cup | 16 tbs | 3 1/6 oz | 48 tsp | 90 g |
F.A.Q.
Yes. One tablespoon is the equivalent of ½ ounce, so 2 tablespoons equal 1 ounce.
A tablespoon of butter is equivalent to ½ fluid ounce. This applies to any other ingredient.
1 Ounce = 2 Tablespoons = 6 Teaspoons
For dry ingredients, use a dry measuring cup or a kitchen scale. The scale will offer the most accurate results.
A liquid measuring cup is needed for wet ingredients such as milk, water, or oil.
No. One cup of flour weighs 130 grams. For 200 grams, you’ll need to measure 1.5 cups of flour.
Conclusion
Converting between ounces, tablespoons, cups and other units of measure is just basic math. Use the conversion charts above to scale recipes faster.
Or even better, print this handy kitchen conversion chart, and the how-to cut a recipe in half chart and keep them in your recipe binder until you need them.
Some recipes, especially for baked goods, require careful and accurate measuring to get the best results. This baking pans conversion chart will help you adapt a recipe to whatever pan you have.
The three printables above provide excellent references for adjusting recipes. Being confident in the kitchen guarantees better results, and more enjoyment, which is what we all want!
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