1/2 Cup Equals
WRONG: 1/2 cup = 2 tablespoons
2 tablespoons = only 1/8 cup!
✅ RIGHT: 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons
WRONG: 1/2 cup = 12 tablespoons
12 tablespoons = 3/4 cup!
✅ RIGHT: 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons
🧠 Memory Trick: "Half cup, Eight spoons, One butter stick!"
50,000+ people search "8 tablespoons to cups" monthly!
| Tablespoons | Equals | Cups | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 tbsp | = | 1/8 cup | Often confused with 1/2 cup! |
| 4 tbsp | = | 1/4 cup | Common measure |
| 8 tbsp | = | 1/2 cup ✓ | = 1 butter stick! |
| 12 tbsp | = | 3/4 cup | Often confused with 1/2 cup! |
| 16 tbsp | = | 1 cup | = 2 butter sticks |
🧈 The Butter Stick Secret: 1/2 Cup = 1 Stick!
Perfect Memory Aid
1 stick of butter
Standard US size
1/2 cup exactly
= 8 tablespoons
Butter Conversions
- 1/2 stick 1/4 cup (4 tbsp)
- 1 stick 1/2 cup (8 tbsp)
- 1.5 sticks 3/4 cup (12 tbsp)
- 2 sticks 1 cup (16 tbsp)
🎯 Pro Tip: When a recipe calls for 1/2 cup butter, just grab 1 stick from the fridge!
1/2 cup is perfect for scaling recipes up or down. Here's your quick guide:
Scaling Up from 1/2 Cup
- 1/2 cup × 2 = 1 cup (16 tbsp)
- 1/2 cup × 3 = 1.5 cups (24 tbsp)
- 1/2 cup × 4 = 2 cups (32 tbsp)
Scaling Down from 1/2 Cup
- 1/2 cup ÷ 2 = 1/4 cup (4 tbsp)
- 1/2 cup ÷ 3 ≈ 2.67 tbsp
- 1/2 cup ÷ 4 = 1/8 cup (2 tbsp)
💧 Liquid Ingredients (1/2 Cup)
🌾 Dry Ingredients (1/2 Cup)
💡 Important: 1/2 cup of flour (60g) weighs much less than 1/2 cup of honey (170g)! This is why weight measurements are more accurate for baking.
Best Method
8 tbsp
Most accurate
Alternative
24 tsp
Takes longer
For Butter
1 stick
Perfect match!
Metric
120 ml
For liquids
Common Recipes Using 1/2 Cup Measurements
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tablespoons in 1/2 cup?
1/2 cup equals exactly 8 tablespoons. This is also equal to 24 teaspoons, 120 milliliters, or 1 stick of butter.
Is 1/2 cup the same as 2 tablespoons?
No! This is a common mistake. 2 tablespoons equals only 1/8 cup. You need 8 tablespoons to make 1/2 cup.
How many teaspoons in half a cup?
Half a cup equals 24 teaspoons. However, it's more practical to use 8 tablespoons instead of counting out 24 teaspoons.
Is 8 tablespoons equal to 1/2 cup?
Yes! 8 tablespoons equals exactly 1/2 cup. This is also equivalent to 1 stick of butter in US measurements.
What's the easiest way to measure 1/2 cup without a measuring cup?
Use 8 tablespoons for the most accurate measurement. For butter specifically, use 1 stick. For liquids, measure 120ml or 4 fluid ounces.
Remember: 1/2 Cup = 8 Tablespoons!
Never confuse measurements again. Save this page for instant access to all 1/2 cup conversions. Plus, use our reverse calculator to check tablespoons to cups.