Updated 27 July 2026 · Written by Sofia Romano
There are 3 teaspoons in one tablespoon. So if a recipe calls for a tablespoon and you only have a teaspoon, use three level teaspoons. This holds for both US and UK measurements, making it one of the most reliable kitchen conversions.
1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons. So 1/2 tablespoon = 1 1/2 teaspoons.
The Simple Rule
One tablespoon equals three teaspoons in both US and metric measuring. This makes swapping between them easy: multiply tablespoons by three to get teaspoons, or divide teaspoons by three to get tablespoons.
Common Conversions
Half a tablespoon is 1 1/2 teaspoons, and two tablespoons is 6 teaspoons. For spices and leavening, always measure level rather than heaped for accurate results.
Quick Reference
| Tablespoons | Teaspoons |
|---|---|
| 1 tbsp | 3 tsp |
| 1/2 tbsp | 1 1/2 tsp |
| 2 tbsp | 6 tsp |
| 3 tbsp | 9 tsp |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teaspoons in half a tablespoon?
Half a tablespoon is 1 1/2 teaspoons, since a full tablespoon holds 3 teaspoons.
Does this work for the UK too?
Yes. A tablespoon equals three teaspoons in both US and UK measuring, so the conversion is the same.
