A metric cup is 250 milliliters.
Metric cups to Metric tablespoons Converter — metric cup to metric tbsp
Convert Metric cup (metric cup) to Metric tablespoon (metric tbsp) using the exact conversion factor (1 metric cup = 16.66666667 metric tablespoon). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Metric cups to Metric tablespoons converter
Converter
Volume Converter
Convert metric, US customary, imperial, cooking, dry, and industrial volume units.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
A metric tablespoon is 15 milliliters.
Result = input x 0.00025 / 1.5e-5.
Volume uses the cubic meter as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Metric cups to Metric tablespoons
Metric cup and Metric tablespoon appear side by side at fuel pumps and on beverage labels, since the US measures liquids in gallons while most of the world uses liters. Metric cup is most often used for recipe and cooking measurement in metric-using english-speaking countries.
Formula
metric tablespoons = metric cups × 16.6666666667
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 metric cup equals 0.00025 base units, and 1 metric tablespoon equals 0.000015 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct metric cup-to-metric tablespoon factor of 16.6666666667.
Simple example
1 metric cup × 16.66666667 = 16.66666667 metric tbsp
1 metric cup = 16.66666667 metric tablespoons.
Real-world example
10 metric cup × 16.66666667 = 166.6666667 metric tbsp
10 metric cups = 166.6666667 metric tablespoons.
Conversion table
| Metric cup (metric cup) | Metric tablespoon (metric tbsp) |
|---|---|
| 1 metric cup | 16.66666667 metric tbsp |
| 5 metric cup | 83.33333333 metric tbsp |
| 10 metric cup | 166.6666667 metric tbsp |
| 25 metric cup | 416.6666667 metric tbsp |
| 50 metric cup | 833.3333333 metric tbsp |
| 100 metric cup | 1,666.666667 metric tbsp |
Reverse conversion: Metric tablespoon to Metric cup
16.66666667 metric tbsp × 0.06 = 1 metric cup
16.66666667 metric tablespoons = 1 metric cups.
metric cups = metric tablespoons × 0.06
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Metric tablespoon to Metric cup.
Understanding the Metric cup
Metric cup (metric cup) measures volume. The metric cup used in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Canada is defined as exactly 250 milliliters. It is classified as a Non-SI unit (culinary, metric countries).
Where it's used: Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Canada (recipes and cooking measurement)
Metric cup vs. US cup. The metric cup (250 mL) is about 4% larger than the US cooking cup (240 mL) — small for most recipes, but worth checking when following a recipe from a different country.
Uses of the Metric cup today
- Recipe and cooking measurement in metric-using English-speaking countries
- Baking and portion measurement
History of the Metric cup
As Commonwealth countries metricated through the 20th century, cookbook publishers and standards bodies adopted a round 250 mL 'metric cup' so recipes could use a convenient, easily-scaled volume rather than the US's 240 mL or older imperial teacup conventions.
Historical origin. Metric cup was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the Metric tablespoon (metric tbsp)
A metric tablespoon is 15 milliliters.
Metric cup — sources
- National Measurement Institute (Australia) — Kitchen measures — Documents the 250 mL metric cup standard.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many metric tablespoons are in 1 metric cup?
1 metric cup equals 16.66666667 metric tablespoons, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert metric cup to metric tablespoon?
Multiply the metric cup value by 16.66666667. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert metric tablespoon back to metric cup?
Use the reverse factor: 1 metric tablespoon equals 0.06 metric cups. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a metric cup?
Metric cup (metric cup) measures volume. The metric cup used in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Canada is defined as exactly 250 milliliters. It is classified as a Non-SI unit (culinary, metric countries).
What is a metric tablespoon?
Metric tablespoon (metric tbsp) is a unit of volume.
Is the metric cup to metric tablespoon conversion exact?
Yes. The metric cup used in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Canada is defined as exactly 250 milliliters. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.
What is the difference between metric cup vs. us cup?
The metric cup (250 mL) is about 4% larger than the US cooking cup (240 mL) — small for most recipes, but worth checking when following a recipe from a different country.
Where is the metric cup still used today?
Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Canada (recipes and cooking measurement)