Quick Answer: 1/3 cup = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon (≈ 5.33 tbsp)
Quick facts
- 1 cup has 16 tablespoons.
- 1 tablespoon has 3 teaspoons.
- 1/3 cup has 16 teaspoons.
- 1/3 US cup is about 78.86 mL.
- Use 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon for the closest spoon measure.
Teaspoon Unit Type and Name
A teaspoon is a volume unit. Its short name is tsp. Three teaspoons equal one tablespoon.
A tablespoon is also a volume unit. Its short name is tbsp. Use these names when you compare recipe units.
The Exact Conversion
In the US customary system, 1 cup = 16 tablespoons. Therefore, 1/3 of a cup equals:
1/3 cup = 16 ÷ 3 = 5.333... tablespoons
= 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon
Since 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons, the remaining 0.333 tablespoon equals exactly 1 teaspoon. This is the most precise way to measure 1/3 cup using tablespoons.
Use the Calculator Above to Check Any Fraction
The calculator uses the same factor as the full UnitKick cups-to-tablespoons tool: tablespoons = cups × 16.
Enter 0.3333 cups. You will get about 5.33 tablespoons. That matches the hand calculation below.
Recipe math changes often. A recipe may ask for 2/3 cup, 3/8 cup, or 1.25 cups. Test the exact value, then round to spoons, teaspoons, or grams when needed.
Use short checks before you bake
Ask one simple question first: do you need volume or weight? Cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons measure volume. Grams and ounces measure weight.
For water, 1 mL is close to 1 gram. Flour, sugar, butter, and honey are different. Use a scale when texture matters.
Quick Reference Chart
| Cup | Tablespoons | Teaspoons | Milliliters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 cup | 2 tbsp | 6 tsp | 29.57 mL |
| 1/3 cup | 5 tbsp + 1 tsp | 16 tsp | 78.86 mL |
| 1/2 cup | 8 tbsp | 24 tsp | 118.29 mL |
| 2/3 cup | 10 tbsp + 2 tsp | 32 tsp | 157.73 mL |
| 3/4 cup | 12 tbsp | 36 tsp | 177.44 mL |
| 1 cup | 16 tbsp | 48 tsp | 236.59 mL |
How to Measure Without a 1/3 Cup
Don't have a 1/3 cup measure? Here are three ways to get an accurate measurement:
- 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon — The most precise method. Level off each spoonful for accuracy.
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon — If you have a 1/4 cup measure, add the extra spoonfuls to reach 1/3 cup.
- Use a kitchen scale — For dry ingredients, 1/3 cup of water weighs approximately 79 grams (or mL). This is the most accurate method for baking.
Why Ingredient Density Matters
Here's something most conversion guides miss: 1/3 cup of different ingredients weighs different amounts. Cup measurements measure volume, not weight. If you need precision (especially in baking), always use a scale.
| Ingredient | 1/3 Cup in Grams | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | ≈ 42 g | Spoon & level method |
| Granulated sugar | ≈ 67 g | Packed density |
| Brown sugar (packed) | ≈ 73 g | Firmly packed |
| Butter | ≈ 76 g | 5 tbsp + 1 tsp |
| Honey | ≈ 113 g | High density |
| Water | ≈ 79 g | 1 g = 1 mL for water |
Source: USDA FoodData Central. Values are approximate and may vary by brand and packing method.
US vs Metric vs Imperial Cups
Not all cups are equal. A recipe from another country may use a different cup size:
| System | 1 Cup | 1/3 Cup |
|---|---|---|
| US Customary | 236.59 mL | 78.86 mL (5 tbsp + 1 tsp) |
| US Legal (nutrition) | 240 mL | 80 mL |
| Metric (AU/NZ) | 250 mL | 83.33 mL |
| Imperial (UK, historic) | 284.13 mL | 94.71 mL |
Most US recipes use the US customary cup. Australian and New Zealand recipes often use the metric cup. UK recipes often list grams instead.
What standards does this guide use?
The cup-to-tablespoon math uses US customary kitchen volume. The metric notes use public SI references. Ingredient weights are estimates.
For a recipe, treat volume as a cooking shortcut. Treat weight as the better choice for repeatable baking.
UnitKick HTTPS Note
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Tips for Accurate Measuring
- Use the spoon-and-level method for flour— Don't scoop directly with the measuring cup, as this compacts the flour and can add up to 20% more than intended.
- Level off dry ingredients — Use the flat edge of a knife to level off the top of your measuring spoon or cup.
- Use liquid measuring cups for liquids — They have a pour spout and measurement markings on the side. Check at eye level.
- When in doubt, weigh it — A digital kitchen scale costs under $15 and eliminates measurement errors entirely.
Common Recipes Using 1/3 Cup
Here are some popular recipes that call for 1/3 cup of an ingredient:
- Pancake batter — 1/3 cup per pancake
- Salad dressing — 1/3 cup olive oil for vinaigrette
- Chocolate chip cookies — 1/3 cup brown sugar
- Banana bread — 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- Overnight oats — 1/3 cup rolled oats per serving
Need to convert other cup measurements? Open the full Cups to Tablespoons converter, use the reverse Tablespoons to Cups converter, or browse all kitchen converters.