Teaspoon to Milliliters (mL) Converter
1 standard teaspoon equals 4.929 mL (metric rounded to 5 mL).
Interactive Teaspoon to Milliliters (mL) Converter
1 US teaspoon = 4.93 mL (metric kitchen teaspoon is standardized to 5.0 mL). 3 teaspoons make 1 tablespoon.
Understanding Teaspoon to Milliliters (mL) Conversion
In liquid and dry cooking measurements, 1 standard US teaspoon equals 4.9289 mL. For modern culinary, medical, and nutritional purposes worldwide, this is standardized to exactly 5.0 mL.
Standard spoon hierarchy:
- 1/4 teaspoon = 1.23 mL (~1.25 mL)
- 1/2 teaspoon = 2.46 mL (~2.5 mL)
- 1 teaspoon = 4.93 mL (~5 mL)
- 2 teaspoons = 9.86 mL (~10 mL)
- 3 teaspoons = 14.79 mL (~15 mL = 1 tablespoon)
- 6 teaspoons = 29.57 mL (~30 mL = 2 tablespoons / 1 fl oz)
How to Convert Teaspoons to mL: Formula & Calculation
Milliliters (mL) = Teaspoons × 4.9289 (or × 5 for standard kitchen metric) - Multiply by 4.93: For exact American recipe conversions, multiply your teaspoons by 4.9289.
- Kitchen standard (multiply by 5): Modern culinary measuring spoon sets (marked with both "tsp" and "mL") define 1 tsp as exactly 5 mL.
- Convert to tablespoons when >= 3: Remember that every 3 teaspoons equal 1 full tablespoon (15 mL).
Worked Culinary Examples
Example 1: Almond Extract in Frosting
A buttercream recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, but you are dosing with a 5 mL medical syringe.
- Formula: 0.5 tsp × 4.93 mL/tsp = 2.46 mL.
- Standard metric marking: 2.5 mL line on your syringe.
Example 2: Baking Powder for Pancakes
Your pancake recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
- Formula: 2 tsp × 4.93 mL/tsp = 9.86 mL.
- Kitchen equivalent: approx. 10 mL (or 2/3 of a tablespoon).
Quick Reference Conversion Table: Teaspoons to mL
| Teaspoons (tsp) | US Exact (mL) | Metric Standard (mL) | Tablespoons (tbsp) | Fluid Ounces (fl oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 tsp | 0.62 mL | 0.6 mL | 0.04 tbsp | 0.02 fl oz |
| 1/4 tsp | 1.23 mL | 1.3 mL | 0.08 tbsp | 0.04 fl oz |
| 1/2 tsp | 2.46 mL | 2.5 mL | 0.17 tbsp | 0.08 fl oz |
| 3/4 tsp | 3.70 mL | 3.8 mL | 0.25 tbsp | 0.13 fl oz |
| 1 tsp | 4.93 mL | 5 mL | 0.33 tbsp | 0.17 fl oz |
| 1 1/2 tsp | 7.39 mL | 7.5 mL | 0.50 tbsp | 0.25 fl oz |
| 2 tsp | 9.86 mL | 10 mL | 0.67 tbsp | 0.33 fl oz |
| 2 1/2 tsp | 12.32 mL | 12.5 mL | 0.83 tbsp | 0.42 fl oz |
| 3 tsp | 14.79 mL | 15 mL | 1 tbsp | 0.50 fl oz |
| 4 tsp | 19.72 mL | 20 mL | 1.33 tbsp | 0.67 fl oz |
| 6 tsp | 29.57 mL | 30 mL | 2 tbsp | 1 fl oz |
| 8 tsp | 39.43 mL | 40 mL | 2.67 tbsp | 1.33 fl oz |
| 12 tsp | 59.15 mL | 60 mL | 4 tbsp | 2 fl oz |
Best Practices for Measuring Teaspoons Accurately
Kitchen Measuring Spoons vs. Stirring Spoons
Never use household tea stirrers or flatware teaspoons. Their volumes vary wildly between 2.5 mL and 7 mL, ruining leavening agent ratios (baking soda/powder).
Potent Flavoring Extracts
Potent extracts like peppermint, almond, or clove can easily overpower a dessert. Always measure over a separate small prep bowl rather than directly over the main mixing bowl.
Leveling Dry Leaveners
Baking powder and baking soda containers usually feature a built-in metal or plastic leveling edge. Always slide your measuring spoon against it for a true level teaspoon.
Liquid Meniscus
Fill liquid extracts right up to the brim of the measuring spoon without allowing surface tension to dome or spill over the sides.