The Australian Tablespoon: 4 Teaspoons, Not 3

Updated 17 April 2026

In Australia, 1 tablespoon = 20 ml = 4 teaspoons. In the US and UK, 1 tablespoon = 15 ml = 3 teaspoons. The teaspoon is 5 ml in all three countries. If you cook with recipes from different countries, this 33% difference in tablespoon size can noticeably change a recipe outcome, especially in baking.

Country-by-Country Comparison

CountryTablespoonTeaspoontbsp in tspCup
US15 ml5 ml3236.6 ml
UK15 ml5 ml3284 ml
Australia20 ml5 ml4250 ml
Canada15 ml5 ml3250 ml
Metric15 ml5 ml3250 ml

Why Australia chose 20 ml

When Australia completed its metrication in the 1970s, the Standards Association of Australia standardised the tablespoon at 20 ml. The reasoning was mathematical elegance: 20 ml divided by 5 ml (one teaspoon) gives a clean ratio of 4:1. The US and UK retained the older 15 ml tablespoon, which had historical roots in apothecary (pharmaceutical) measures based on the fluid dram system. The result is that every country uses the same 5 ml teaspoon, but the tablespoon differs. Recipes that specify tablespoons without naming a country can mean slightly different amounts.

Adjusting US/UK Recipes for Australian Tablespoons

When using an Australian tablespoon (20 ml) to measure a US recipe quantity, use less. Or substitute with teaspoons, which are the same size everywhere.

US/UK recipe saysAustralian cook measures
1 tbsp3/4 AU tbsp, or 3 tsp
2 tbsp1.5 AU tbsp, or 6 tsp
3 tbsp2.25 AU tbsp, or 9 tsp
4 tbsp (1/4 cup)3 AU tbsp, or 12 tsp
8 tbsp (1/2 cup)6 AU tbsp
16 tbsp (1 cup)12 AU tbsp

Frequently Asked Questions

How many teaspoons in an Australian tablespoon?
The Australian tablespoon is 20 ml and equals 4 teaspoons. The US and UK tablespoon is 15 ml and equals 3 teaspoons. The teaspoon is 5 ml everywhere.
Why is the Australian tablespoon different?
Australia standardised on a 20 ml tablespoon when it fully metricated in 1974. The 20 ml size gives a clean 4:1 ratio with the 5 ml teaspoon. The US and UK retained the older 15 ml standard.
How do I adjust a US recipe for an Australian tablespoon?
If a US recipe calls for 1 tablespoon, an Australian cook measuring with their home 20 ml tablespoon needs only 3/4 of it (15 ml). Alternatively, use 3 teaspoons instead of 1 Australian tablespoon for any US or UK recipe.
Is the Australian teaspoon the same as the US teaspoon?
Yes. The teaspoon is 5 ml in the US, UK, and Australia. Only the tablespoon size differs between countries.
How do I cook with an Australian recipe using US measuring spoons?
When an Australian recipe says 1 tablespoon, measure 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon using your US measuring spoons (to get 20 ml instead of 15 ml). Or use 4 teaspoons.
tbsp to tsp ConverterKitchen Charttbsp to ml, Cups, OzSources