tbs, is it small or large spoon?

I researched this question a while ago for a similar thread and the answer is, it depends on where you are!

In the UK, a "standard" teaspoon measure is 5 ml, a dessert spoon is 10 ml and a tablespoon is 15ml.

In the USA a "standard" teaspoon measure is 5ml, a tablespoon is 10 ml and I don't think they recognise dessertspoon as a possible measure.

The ACTUAL volume held by a random spoon you happen to have is almost certainly not precisely the same as these.

It's another case of "proper measurements are important" - weights are always more accurate and precise than cupfuls and measuring volumes by millilitres is more accurate than using a random spoon from your kitchen drawer.

Using metric, a tsp (teaspoon) is 5 ml and a tbsp (tablespoon) is 15 ml, except in Australia where a metric tablespoon is 20 ml.

There isn't much difference between the metric volumes and the imperial or US volumes, although when it is closer to 1/4 cup or more I try to make sure the entry I'm logging under is using the same measuring system I am using.

Edit for clarification: When I say there isn't much difference, I'm talking about small amounts: an imperial teaspoon is 5.91939 ml and a US teaspoon is 4.92892 ml; an imperial tablespoon is 17.7582 ml and a US tablespoon is 14.7868 ml; 1/4 cup is approximately 4 tablespoons. If it were something calorie dense like raw sugar, I'd probably be more precise at a lower threshold.

Hey there,

The title may sound silly but I just started using MFP and I really love it. However, when entering food I don't if tbs is tablespoon is the normal one or small.

Sorry if the question sound silly, but an answer will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

There are varying sizes of spoons, you should buy set of measuring spoons so you get it right. You get them for few bucks.

In a pinch the top part of your thumb (down to the first joint from the tip) is about a tablespoon. A teaspoon is just the tip of your thumb. Still better to have a set of measuring spoons.

In the UK, a "standard" teaspoon measure is 5 ml, a dessert spoon is 10 ml and a tablespoon is 15ml.

In the USA a "standard" teaspoon measure is 5ml, a tablespoon is 10 ml and I don't think they recognise dessertspoon as a possible measure.

I think you mean in the US, a tablespoon is 15 ml. US and UK tablespoons and teaspoons are the same size. The dessert spoon measure is rarely used any more in the US.

I think what confused me is that what people generally call a tablespoon in the US - the one you'd eat your porridge with - is called a dessertspoon here in the UK. To us, a tablespoon is a serving spoon, but not a huge, kitchen-sized one. Measuring spoons are so much more accurate!

Actually, in a US a spoon is a spoon but a tablespoon is a specific measurement device, for most of us anyway.

Most people I know don't assume the volume of any given spoon is a tablespoon. Though depending on which manufacturer a "tablespoon" in a flatware set is about 15ml but it's not consistant.

Hey there,

The title may sound silly but I just started using MFP and I really love it. However, when entering food I don't if tbs is tablespoon is the normal one or small.

Sorry if the question sound silly, but an answer will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

I'm not sure of the question. Are you asking whether "tbs" is the abbreviation for Tablespoon versus Teaspoon? If so, it is the abbreviation for Tablespoon (there is no "b" in "teaspoon"). The other common abbreviation for Tablespoon is TBSP

An actual Tbsp is a measured kind of spoon like this...



The big one on there is a Tbsp and it goes all the way down to 1/8 teaspoon.

^^ ... and these are essential for baking since the measurements need to be precise. We all know it's better to cook your own food, so get to baking, too. :bigsmile:

If you need to measure go buy a set of measuring spoons. They are pretty cheap. I measure things every day, so I like having my measuring spoons and measuring cups. I use a food scale a lot, so I can save myself having to wash measuring spoons and cups as well.

You can get these at a dollar store ...

another handy idea .....a coffee scoop is typically 2 tablespoons ..... a perfect size for salad dressings

That all depends on wheather you're measuring Peanut Butter or something else. :laugh:
PB large spoon, everything else small.

:laugh:

Peanut butter-- don't use a measuring spoon, go by weight, even though it will break your heart to see how little it is. :brokenheart:

tbs, is it small or large spoon?

tsp is the smaller spoon but you should remember....