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
I am a culinary expert with extensive knowledge in cooking measurements and kitchen techniques. My expertise is backed by years of hands-on experience in various culinary settings, including professional kitchens and home cooking environments. I understand the importance of precise measurements in cooking and how it can significantly impact the outcome of a dish.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about the main difference between a tablespoon and a teaspoon:
1. What is a Tablespoon
A tablespoon is a large spoon used for serving food and serves as a cooking measure of volume. It is equivalent to 15 ml, 1/16 cup, 3 teaspoons, or 1/2 fluid ounce. In Australian measurements, 1 tablespoon is equal to 20ml. The term is commonly abbreviated as tbsp. Tablespoons are often used to serve food like soup, cereals, or spaghetti.
Key Points:
- Equivalent to 15 ml.
- Abbreviated as tbsp.
- Used for serving and measuring volume in cooking.
2. What is a Teaspoon
A teaspoon is a small spoon holding about 2ml, but its size can range from 2.5 to 7.3 ml. As a unit of measurement in cooking, it is equal to 1/3 tablespoon. In the US, there are 6 teaspoons in 1 fluid ounce, and 16 teaspoons in 1/3 cup. The term is commonly abbreviated as tsp. Teaspoons are commonly used for adding sugar to hot drinks, stirring, or eating certain foods.
Key Points:
- Holds about 2ml.
- Abbreviated as tsp.
- Used for stirring, adding sugar, and eating certain foods.
3. Relationship Between Tablespoon and Teaspoon
Both tablespoons and teaspoons are common measurements used in recipes. Mixing up these measurements can significantly affect the taste of a dish. For example, using 1 tbsp. instead of 1 tsp. of salt can make a dish too salty. The article also emphasizes the difference between leveled and heaped measurements.
Key Points:
- Both are common measurements.
- Mixing them up can impact the taste of a dish.
- Difference between leveled and heaped measurements.
4. Difference Between Tablespoon and Teaspoon
The main difference lies in their size and capacity. A tablespoon holds about 15ml, while a teaspoon holds 5ml. Therefore, a tablespoon is equivalent to three teaspoons.
Key Points:
- Tablespoon holds about 15ml.
- Teaspoon holds about 5ml.
- Tablespoon is equal to three teaspoons.
In conclusion, understanding the distinctions between tablespoons and teaspoons is crucial for precise and successful cooking. These measurements play a fundamental role in achieving the desired flavors and textures in various dishes.
