A metric teaspoon is 5 milliliters.
Metric teaspoons to Milliliters Converter — metric tsp to mL
Convert Metric teaspoon (metric tsp) to Milliliter (mL) using the exact conversion factor (1 metric teaspoon = 5 milliliter). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Metric teaspoons to Milliliters converter
Converter
Cooking Converter
Convert cooking volume and mass units used in recipes and nutrition workflows.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Milliliter is 0.001 liter units.
Result = input x 5e-6 / 1e-6.
Volume units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Metric teaspoons to Milliliters
Metric teaspoon and Milliliter both show up in recipes, and converting between them matters whenever a recipe from one country's cookbook needs to be followed with another country's measuring tools. Specifically: A metric teaspoon is 5 milliliters, and milliliter is 0.001 liter units.
Formula
milliliters = metric teaspoons × 5
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 metric teaspoon equals 0.000005 base units, and 1 milliliter equals 0.000001 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct metric teaspoon-to-milliliter factor of 5.
Simple example
1 metric tsp × 5 = 5 mL
1 metric teaspoon = 5 milliliters.
Real-world example
2 metric tsp × 5 = 10 mL
2 metric teaspoons = 10 milliliters.
Conversion table
| Metric teaspoon (metric tsp) | Milliliter (mL) |
|---|---|
| 0.25 metric tsp | 1.25 mL |
| 0.5 metric tsp | 2.5 mL |
| 1 metric tsp | 5 mL |
| 2 metric tsp | 10 mL |
| 4 metric tsp | 20 mL |
| 8 metric tsp | 40 mL |
Reverse conversion: Milliliter to Metric teaspoon
5 mL × 0.2 = 1 metric tsp
5 milliliters = 1 metric teaspoons.
metric teaspoons = milliliters × 0.2
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Milliliter to Metric teaspoon.
Understanding the Metric teaspoon (metric tsp)
A metric teaspoon is 5 milliliters.
Understanding the Milliliter
Milliliter (mL) measures volume. A milliliter is one-thousandth of a liter, equal to one cubic centimeter. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Where it's used: Standard small-volume unit worldwide
Uses of the Milliliter today
- Medicine dosing (worldwide, including in the US)
- Cooking and recipe measurement outside the US
- Beverage and small-container labeling
History of the Milliliter
The milliliter follows directly from the liter via the 'milli-' SI prefix. It is notable as one of the few metric units in routine US use, since medicine dosing (syringes, liquid medication) is specified in milliliters even in the US.
Historical origin. Milliliter was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Milliliter — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — SI prefixes — Defines 'milli-' as the prefix for 10⁻³.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many milliliters are in 1 metric teaspoon?
1 metric teaspoon equals 5 milliliters, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert metric teaspoon to milliliter?
Multiply the metric teaspoon value by 5. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert milliliter back to metric teaspoon?
Use the reverse factor: 1 milliliter equals 0.2 metric teaspoons. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a metric teaspoon?
Metric teaspoon (metric tsp) is a unit of cooking.
What is a milliliter?
Milliliter (mL) measures volume. A milliliter is one-thousandth of a liter, equal to one cubic centimeter. It is classified as a SI derived (metric prefix) unit.
Is the metric teaspoon to milliliter conversion exact?
Yes. Both metric teaspoon and milliliter are defined by fixed standards rather than physical artifacts, so the factor of 5 used above is exact to as many digits as you choose to display.