How Many Tablespoons Are in 1 3 Cup? A Simple Conversions Guide

Whether you’re following a recipe or measuring ingredients for baking, understanding unit conversions is essential. One common question is: How many tablespoons are in 1 3 cup? This article breaks it down clearly and simply, so you can confidently measure without guesswork.

The Conversion: 1 3 Cup in Tablespoons

Understanding the Context

First, break down the measurement:

  • 1 cup equals 16 tablespoons (1 cup = 16 tbsp).
  • 1 and 3 cups is the same as 1.333... cups, or 1 1/3 cup.

Using the standard conversion:
1 cup = 16 tablespoons, so
1 3 cup = 1 + (1/3 of a cup) = 16 + (16 ÷ 3) tablespoons

Now calculate:
16 ÷ 3 ≈ 5.333 tablespoons

Add it to the whole cup amount:
1 3 cup = 16 + 5.333 ≈ 21.333 tablespoons

Key Insights

Final Answer:

1 3 cup = 21.333 tablespoons, or more precisely 21 tablespoons and 1/3 of a tablespoon.


Why This Conversion Matters

Knowing this conversion helps when:

  • Scaling recipes up or down
  • Substituting ingredients without precise measuring tools
  • Ensuring culinary accuracy, especially in baking where ratios are precise

Final Thoughts

Pro Tips for Kitchen Measurement

  • Use a digital scale for accuracy, especially in baking.
  • For even better measurement, convert to fluid ounces: 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces, so 1 3 cup = 21.5 fluid ounces.
  • Remember that tablespoons vary slightly by country—US or UK measurements differ, but the standard U.S. system is most widely used globally.

Mastering conversions like how many tablespoons in 1 3 cup transforms cooking from guesswork to precision. Next time you reach for that measuring cup, you’ll do it with confidence. Happy cooking!