How Many Grams in a Tablespoon?
Published January 15, 2024 • 5 min read
One of the most common questions in cooking is "how many grams are in a tablespoon?" The answer isn't straightforward because it depends entirely on what ingredient you're measuring.
Quick Reference Table
Common Ingredients
- Water: 15 grams
- All-purpose flour: 8 grams
- Sugar (granulated): 12 grams
- Salt: 18 grams
- Butter: 14 grams
Baking Essentials
- Baking powder: 12 grams
- Vanilla extract: 15 grams
- Honey: 21 grams
- Olive oil: 14 grams
- Cocoa powder: 6 grams
Why the Difference?
The weight of a tablespoon varies because different ingredients have different densities. A tablespoon of flour weighs much less than a tablespoon of honey because flour is light and airy while honey is dense and thick.
Tips for Accurate Measuring
- Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurements
- Level off dry ingredients with a knife
- Don't pack ingredients unless specified
- Use liquid measuring spoons for liquids
Pro Tip
For baking, weight measurements are always more accurate than volume measurements. Consider investing in a digital kitchen scale for consistent results.