Japanese Tablespoon, Teaspoon & Cup Converter
＋More features: convert to and from the weight (grams) of an ingredient
Tablespoons and teaspoons → grams
The same tablespoon weighs a different number of grams depending on the ingredient (water 15 g, sugar 9 g, soy sauce 18 g and so on), so this calculates the weight from the spoons and the ingredient.
Grams → tablespoons and teaspoons
The reverse conversion for measuring a recipe written in grams — like “30 g of sugar” — with spoons instead of a scale.
“How many ml is 3 tablespoons?” “How many tablespoons is 50 ml?” — just type a number to restate the tablespoon, teaspoon, cup and ml amounts in Japanese recipes. These are the Japanese kitchen-measure sizes (tablespoon 15 ml, teaspoon 5 ml, cup 200 ml — note that a Japanese cup differs from a US cup). Useful when you have no measuring spoons or cup at hand, or want to scale a recipe.
How to use
- Enter the amount (the number) from the recipe.
- Choose its unit (tablespoon, teaspoon, cup or ml).
- The amount in every unit appears the moment you type — no button needed.
How it is calculated
- 1 teaspoon = 5 ml / 1 tablespoon = 15 ml / 1 cup = 200 ml (the standard sizes of Japanese measuring spoons and cups)
- 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons, and 1 cup = 13 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon.
- ml and cc are the same amount (1 ml = 1 cc).
Sources (primary information)
- The conversion is based on the capacities of standard Japanese measuring utensils (teaspoon 5 ml, tablespoon 15 ml, cup 200 ml).
Assumptions and notes
- This is a volume conversion. Weight (g) depends on the density of the ingredient (1 tablespoon is 15 g of water, but about 12 g of oil, about 9 g of Japanese white sugar and about 18 g of salt).
- One cup in overseas recipes is different (about 240 ml in the US, 250 ml in Australia). The rice cup that comes with Japanese rice cookers is 180 ml — also a different thing.
Frequently asked questions
How many grams is 1 tablespoon?
It depends on the ingredient. As a guide: 15 g for water, vinegar or sake; about 18 g for soy sauce or mirin; about 12 g for oil or butter; about 9 g for Japanese white sugar; about 18 g for salt. This tool converts by volume (ml).
What can I use instead of a measuring spoon?
A plastic-bottle cap holds about 7.5 ml (half a tablespoon), and a curry spoon holds a little under 1 tablespoon as a guide. For baking, where accuracy matters, proper measuring utensils are recommended.
How much is a “pinch” or a “dash” in Japanese recipes?
As a guide, a dash (shōshō) is the amount you pick up between thumb and index finger (about 1/8 teaspoon), and a pinch (hitotsumami) is the amount picked up with three fingers (about 1/5–1/4 teaspoon).