Cups to Tablespoons Converter (cup to tbsp)
One US cup equals 16 tablespoons — multiply cups by 16 to convert to tablespoons. To reverse it, divide tablespoons by 16. This is one of the most useful kitchen conversions to memorize.
The formula
Multiply your cup value by 16 to get tablespoons.
tbsp = cup × 16
Example: 0.5 cups × 16 = 8 tbspA US cup holds exactly 16 tablespoons, which is why quarter- and third-cup measures come out to neat tablespoon counts (a quarter cup is 4 tbsp).
Conversion table
| Cups | Tablespoons (tbsp) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 16 |
| 2 | 32 |
| 3 | 48 |
| 4 | 64 |
| 5 | 80 |
| 8 | 128 |
| 10 | 160 |
| 16 | 256 |
| 20 | 320 |
| 100 | 1600 |
How to convert online
- Type the number of cups into the first box.
- Read the equivalent in tablespoons instantly in the second box.
- Enter a tablespoon value instead to convert back to cups.
Use the Cup to Tablespoon Converter — free and instant in your browser.
Where this conversion is used
This conversion is a kitchen staple: scaling recipes up or down, measuring when you do not have a cup on hand, and portioning ingredients like butter, oil, sugar and spices that are often given in either cups or tablespoons.
FAQ
How many tablespoons are in a cup?
There are exactly 16 tablespoons in one US cup. A half cup is 8 tbsp and a quarter cup is 4 tbsp.
What is 3 cups in tablespoons?
3 cups × 16 = 48 tablespoons.
Is the conversion exact?
Yes — a US cup is defined as 16 tablespoons, so 16 is an exact factor.
How do I convert tablespoons back to cups?
Divide tablespoons by 16, or use our Tablespoon to Cup converter for the reverse direction.
Related converters
- Tablespoon to Cup Converter
- Cup to Teaspoon Converter
- Cup to Milliliter Converter
- Cup to Liter Converter
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