If you cook much, you know that cups and tablespoons are common measurements in recipes. Knowing how many tablespoons in ¼ cup is useful information when following a recipe. Set yourself up for success by understanding how to convert between these two units of measure before you start cooking.
What Is a Tablespoon?
A tablespoon is a unit of measurement in the US customary system. Tablespoons are used for measuring the volume of ingredients when cooking and baking. One tablespoon is equivalent to 3 teaspoons or 1/16 cup. A tablespoon is about 15 milliliters (mL) in the metric system. The abbreviation for tablespoon is tablespoon.
What Is ¼ Cup?
A cup is a common unit of measurement in the United States. It measures the volume of liquid and dry ingredients in recipes. One-fourth cup is a quarter of one cup and is equal to 2 fluid ounces. If you need to convert ¼ cup into the metric system of measurement, it is equal to about 59 milliliters. Cup is abbreviated as c, so ¼ cup is abbreviated as ¼ c.
How Many Tablespoons in ¼ Cup?
The answer to how many tablespoons are in ¼ cup is 4. There are 16 tablespoons in 1 cup, so there are 4 tablespoons in ¼ cup.
1 cup = 16 tablespoons
¼ cup = 4 tablespoons
If you don't have a ¼ cup measuring cup available, you can use your tablespoon to get the correct amount of the ingredient. And if your recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of an ingredient, you can use your ¼ cup measuring cup instead.
Tips for Using Measuring Cups and Spoons
Follow these tips so your recipes will turn out as expected:
- Make sure all the measuring cups and spoons are clean and dry. This will help ensure accurate measurements and prevent dry ingredients from sticking to moisture on the cups and spoons.
- Level off cups and spoons with the straight edge of a knife or spatula for the most accurate measurements. If a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon, it means a level tablespoon, not a heaping tablespoon.
- Sifting dry ingredients can help to break up any clumps, ensuring the most accurate measurements.
- Always double check your measurements before adding ingredients to ensure you’re using the right amounts for a perfect dish.
Quarter Cup and Tablespoon Conversions
| Cups (c) | Tablespoons (Tbsp) |
| ¼ c | 4 Tbsp |
| ½ c | 8 Tbsp |
| ¾ c | 12 Tbsp |
| 1 c | 16 Tbsp |
| 1 ¼ c | 20 Tbsp |
| 1 ½ c | 24 Tbsp |
| 1 ¾ c | 28 Tbsp |
| 2 c | 32 Tbsp |
Bottom Line
There are 4 tablespoons in ¼ cup. Knowing how many tablespoons in ¼ cup is important information for any cook or baker. You can make sure your recipes come out right every time. It's also helpful to keep these quarter cup and tablespoon conversions handy to convert between the two units of measure.
