Cooking, at least the kind of cooking that we are familiar with, is something that is done by measuring. In the kitchen, you have a variety of measuring tools which can be used to measure and weigh out different ingredients. One such tool is the teaspoon, also known as a berry spoon or dessert spoon. On the other hand, there is a tool that looks like a teaspoon but has a capacity of different ml. This tool is called the tablespoon and has been in use since the middle ages when it was first used to measure out liquids. Nowadays, you will see this spoon being used in almost every kitchen as it is considered to be a good measuring tool for most liquid ingredients.
When we talk about the difference between teaspoon and tablespoon, we are not just talking about their appearance. There is a lot more to this difference than that. To understand this difference, you will have to know the exact measurements of both spoons. You should also know what the equivalent spoon measurement is in ml.
So, what is a teaspoon? What is a tablespoon? What are the differences between them? How do we use them? This article will help you to understand all these things. We will start with the definitions of a teaspoon and then move on to the tablespoon, then explain the differences between them, and finally talk about their uses. Let’s get started.
Summary Table
| Teaspoon | Tablespoon |
| Is a unit of volume used to measure small amounts of liquid | Is a unit of volume usually better known to measure solid or powdered substances |
| Has a round-shaped bow | Has a cylindrical shape |
| Generally used in cooking | Can be used in cooking, but generally used in science, medicine, chemical analysis etc |
| The measurement system in the United States uses 1/8 fluid ounce (0.125 ounce) as the standard amount for a teaspoon | The measurement system in the United States uses 1/4 fluid ounce (0.25 ounce) as the standard amount for a tablespoon |
Definitions
What is a teaspoon?
A teaspoon is a unit of volume used to measure small amounts of liquid or dry ingredients. The measurement system in the United States uses 1/8 fluid ounce (0.125 ounce) as the standard amount for a teaspoon.
The volume of a teaspoon is equivalent to 1/16 fluid ounce, or 0.0625 fluid ounces, which is also known as 1/64 of an ounce (6 grams). One standard tablespoon (tablespoon) contains 5 teaspoons in volume.
A teaspoon is usually used to measure teaspoons of dry ingredients, such as salt, sugar, and baking powder. They are also used to measure other small amounts of liquid, such as oil and vinegar.
What is a tablespoon?
A tablespoon is a unit of volume used to measure larger amounts of liquid or dry ingredients. The measurement system in the United States uses 1/4 fluid ounce (0.25 ounce) as the standard amount for a tablespoon. A typical tablespoon contains 5 tablespoons in volume. A tablespoon is often used to measure:
- Sauces and gravies.
- Syrups and sweeteners, such as honey, corn syrup, and molasses.
- Measurements of flour (cups) in a standard US kitchen.
- Measurements of dry ingredients, such as spices and nuts.
- Measurements of small amounts of oil or butter, especially in baking recipes where large amounts are not needed.
- Small amounts of other ingredients such as vinegar or honey that would not fit into a measuring cup (cup).
Teaspoon Vs. Tablespoon
While both teaspoon and tablespoon are measuring units, they are used in different ways. They have different meanings and usages. Their definitions, uses, and sizes are different. To understand the differences between teaspoon and tablespoon, now let’s take a closer look at the differences between teaspoon and tablespoon.
- The abbreviation
In the context of kitchen, a teaspoon is an abbreviated name for teaspoonful. A tablespoon, on the other hand, is an abbreviation for tablespoonful. The word tablespoon is derived from the word, “to be able to hold or grasp”. A teaspoon is a kitchen unit for measuring small amounts of liquids and solid substances.
- The different shapes
The difference between teaspoon and tablespoon lies in their shape. While a teaspoon has a round-shaped bowl, the tablespoon has a cylindrical shape.
- The functions
Both teaspoons and tablespoons are used for measuring small amounts of liquids and solid substances. However, teaspoons are generally used in cooking while tablespoons are generally used in science, medicine, chemical analysis etc.
In addition, the differences between teaspoon and tablespoon also lie in their uses. A teaspoon is used for measuring small amounts of liquids while a tablespoon is used for measuring solid substances.
- The different weights
Since the teaspoon is a kitchen unit, it has a smaller weight. The tablespoon, on the other hand, has a greater weight.
- The substances
As mentioned above, while the teaspoon is used for measuring small amounts of liquids, the tablespoon is used for measuring solid substances. In the kitchen, substances that can be measured with a teaspoon include oil, honey, and butter. On the other hand, substances that can be measured with a tablespoon include sugar and flour. In terms of medicine, a teaspoon is also used for measuring small amounts of liquid medicine while a tablespoon is used for measuring powdered medicines.
- The use in different countries
Tablespoon is more popular in the United States. However, teaspoons are more common in the United Kingdom and Australia. In America, tablespoons are used for all kinds of measurements while teaspoons are used for smaller quantities.
