When you’re cooking or taking medicine, you frequently come across tablespoons as part of the unit of measurement. But what if your recipe or dosage instructions use milliliters (mL) instead? Now, if you’re wondering just how many millimeters (mL) are in a tablespoon, you’re not alone! In simple words, you can easily convert tablespoons to milliliter for water, milk, oil, and medicine.
How Many Millimeters in a Tablespoon?
A tablespoon (tbsp) is a unit of volume measurement used in cooking, medicine, and science. In most countries, including India, the USA, and the UK, 1 tablespoon = 15 milliliters (mL).
So, the basic conversion is:
1 tablespoon = 15 mL 2 tablespoons = 30 mL 3 tablespoons = 45 mL
This standard applies to both liquids and solids when measured in volume.
How Many Millimeters in a Tablespoon of Different Liquids?
1. How Many Millimeters in a Tablespoon of Water?
Water has the same volume measurement everywhere. Since 1 tablespoon = 15 mL, a tablespoon of water is always 15 mL.
2. How Many Millimeters in a Tablespoon of Milk?
Milk has a similar density to water, so the measurement remains the same. 1 tablespoon of milk = 15 mL
3. How Many Millimeters in a Tablespoon of Oil?
Oil is slightly thicker than water, but the volume measurement remains unchanged. 1 tablespoon of oil = 15 mL
4. How Many Millimeters in a Tablespoon of Medicine?
Liquid medicines like syrups and cough mixtures are also measured in mL. Most dosage instructions specify: 1 tablespoon of medicine = 15 mL
However, always check the medicine packaging for the correct dose.
How Many mL is a Tablespoon of Medicine in India?
In India, medical dosage is also measured in milliliters (mL). The standard conversion remains: 1 tablespoon = 15 mL
For children’s medicine, doctors often use teaspoons (5 mL) and tablespoons (15 mL) to measure doses. If in doubt, use a measuring spoon or a medicine cup to get an accurate measurement.
Tablespoon to Milliliter (mL) Conversion Chart
| Tablespoons (tbsp) | Milliliters (mL) |
| 1 tbsp | 15 mL |
| 2 tbsp | 30 mL |
| 3 tbsp | 45 mL |
| 4 tbsp | 60 mL |
| 5 tbsp | 75 mL |
This chart is helpful for quick conversions when cooking or measuring medicine.
Common Questions About Tablespoon to Milliliter Conversion
1. Is 1 Tablespoon Always 15 mL?
Yes, in most countries like the USA, India, UK, Canada, and Australia, 1 tablespoon = 15 mL.
However, some older British recipes use a slightly different measurement where 1 tablespoon = 17.7 mL. But today, most people follow the 15 mL standard worldwide.
2. How Many mL in a Tablespoon in India?
In India, the metric system is used, and 1 tablespoon = 15 mL. This applies to cooking, medicine, and any other liquid measurements.
3. How Many Milliliters in a Tablespoon of Honey?
Since honey is thicker, its weight is different from water, but its volume is still: 1 tablespoon of honey = 15 mL
4. How Can I Measure a Tablespoon Without a Measuring Spoon?
If you don’t have a measuring spoon, here are some easy alternatives:
- Use a teaspoon – Since 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons, you can use 3 teaspoons (5 mL each) to get 15 mL.
- Use a medicine cup – Many medicine cups have markings for 15 mL, which equals 1 tablespoon.
- Use a standard bottle cap – Some soft drink bottle caps hold about 5 mL, so you can use three caps to get a tablespoon.
Why Is It Important to Know the Tablespoon to mL Conversion?
Cooking Accuracy – Many international recipes list ingredients in mL. Knowing that 1 tbsp = 15 mL helps in cooking and baking. Correct Medicine Dosage – Taking the right amount of liquid medicine is essential for safety. Mixing Drinks & Supplements – Many health drinks and protein shakes require precise measurements in tablespoons or mL. DIY Projects – Some home remedies, beauty treatments, and cleaning solutions use mL for accurate measurements.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how many millimeters are in a tablespoon is important for cooking, medicine, and everyday life. The standard measurement is: 1 tablespoon = 15 mL This applies to water, milk, oil, medicine, and other liquids. Next time you need to convert tablespoons to milliliters, just remember this simple formula: 1 tbsp = 15 mL. Whether you’re cooking or measuring medicine, this quick conversion will help you get the right amount every time!