Updated 28 July 2026 · Written by Sofia Romano
There are 4 tablespoons in a quarter cup. Since a full cup holds 16 tablespoons, a quarter of that is 4. So if you are missing a quarter-cup measure, four level tablespoons will do the job accurately.
Quick Answer
1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons = 12 teaspoons.
The Math
A US cup is 16 tablespoons, so a quarter cup is a quarter of 16, which is 4 tablespoons. That also equals 12 teaspoons or 2 fluid ounces.
Measuring Without a Quarter Cup
Count four level tablespoons for a quarter cup. For dry ingredients, spoon them in and level each tablespoon; for liquids, fill each spoon to the brim.
Quick Reference
| Amount | Tablespoons |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup | 4 tbsp |
| 1/2 cup | 8 tbsp |
| 1/3 cup | 5 tbsp + 1 tsp |
| 1 cup | 16 tbsp |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teaspoons in a quarter cup?
A quarter cup is 12 teaspoons, since it equals 4 tablespoons and each tablespoon is 3 teaspoons.
How many ounces in a quarter cup?
A quarter cup is 2 fluid ounces of liquid.
