The 1/3 Cup "Decimal Problem" SOLVED
The Universal Formula:
1 cup = 16 tablespoons
Therefore:
1/3 cup = 16 ÷ 3 = 5.333...
Breaking Down the Decimal:
What is 0.33 tbsp?
Remember: 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons
0.33 tbsp × 3 tsp/tbsp = 1 tsp
So 5.33 tbsp = 5 tbsp + 0.33 tbsp = 5 tbsp + 1 tsp ✓
Verification:
Let's check our work:
- 5 tbsp = 5 × 3 = 15 tsp
- + 1 tsp = 1 tsp
- ─────────────
- Total = 16 tsp
And 16 tsp ÷ 3 tsp/tbsp = 5.33 tbsp ✓
And 16 tsp = 1/3 of 48 tsp (1 cup) ✓
Method 1: Use a 1/3 Cup Measuring Cup (EASIEST)
If you have a 1/3 cup measure (usually comes in nested sets), just fill it and level off with a knife. Done in 5 seconds!
✅ When to use: If you have the measuring cup (obviously!)
Method 2: 5 Tablespoons + 1 Teaspoon (BEST WITHOUT 1/3 CUP)
- Measure 5 level tablespoons into your bowl
- Add 1 level teaspoon
- Done! You now have exactly 1/3 cup
✅ When to use: No 1/3 cup measure? This is your best bet!
Method 3: 16 Teaspoons (TEDIOUS BUT ACCURATE)
Measure 16 level teaspoons. Takes 2-3 minutes but gives you exactly 1/3 cup (5.33 tbsp).
⚠️ When to use: Only if you don't have tablespoons OR 1/3 cup measure!
Method 4: Use 79 mL (FOR LIQUIDS ONLY)
If you have a liquid measuring cup with metric markings, 1/3 cup = 79 milliliters (78.86 mL to be exact).
💧 When to use: Measuring liquids with a metric measuring cup
Method 5: Fill 1/2 Cup to "About 2/3 Full" (NOT RECOMMENDED)
Some people try to eyeball 2/3 of a 1/2 cup measure. This is very inaccurate and should be avoided in baking!
⚠️ Error rate: Up to 20%! Only use as last resort.
1/3 Cup Conversions & Multiples
| Amount | Tablespoons | Easy Method | Teaspoons | mL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/6 cup | 2.67 tbsp | 2 tbsp + 2 tsp | 8 tsp | 39 mL |
| 1/3 cup | 5.33 tbsp | 5 tbsp + 1 tsp ⭐ | 16 tsp | 79 mL |
| 1/2 cup | 8 tbsp | 8 tbsp (whole number!) | 24 tsp | 120 mL |
| 2/3 cup | 10.67 tbsp | 10 tbsp + 2 tsp | 32 tsp | 158 mL |
| 3/4 cup | 12 tbsp | 12 tbsp (whole number!) | 36 tsp | 180 mL |
| 1 cup | 16 tbsp | 16 tbsp (whole number!) | 48 tsp | 240 mL |
💡 Notice: 1/3 and 2/3 cup are the only common fractions that result in decimal tablespoon measurements. All others (1/4, 1/2, 3/4) convert to whole numbers!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tablespoons are in 1/3 cup?
1/3 cup equals 5.33 tablespoons (5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon). The decimal occurs because 16 tablespoons (1 cup) divided by 3 equals 5.333... repeating. For practical measurement, use 5 tbsp + 1 tsp.
Can I use 5 tablespoons instead of 5.33?
Not recommended. Using only 5 tablespoons gives you 6% less than the recipe calls for. In baking, this can affect texture, moisture, and rise. Always use the full 5 tbsp + 1 tsp for accuracy.
Is 1/3 cup the same as 6 tablespoons?
No! This is a very common mistake. 6 tablespoons = 3/8 cup, which is 13% more than 1/3 cup (5.33 tbsp). Using 6 tbsp instead will make your recipe too wet or rich.
How do I measure 1/3 cup without a measuring cup?
The best method is 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon. Alternatively, use 16 teaspoons (though this takes longer). For liquids, measure 79 milliliters if you have a metric measuring cup.
What is 2/3 cup in tablespoons?
2/3 cup equals 10.67 tablespoons (10 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons). It's exactly double of 1/3 cup. To measure: use 10 tbsp + 2 tsp, or fill a 1/3 cup measure twice.
Why do recipes use 1/3 cup if it's so awkward?
Recipes use 1/3 cup for precise ratios and easy scaling. Many recipes are designed for 3 or 6 servings, making 1/3 cup calculations simple. Plus, most measuring cup sets include a 1/3 cup measure, so it's actually easier than counting tablespoons!
Can I substitute 1/2 cup for 1/3 cup?
Absolutely not! 1/2 cup is 50% more than 1/3 cup. This massive difference will completely change your recipe - making it too wet, dense, or rich. Always use the exact amount specified.
How many teaspoons are in 1/3 cup?
1/3 cup equals 16 teaspoons. This is exact because 5.33 tablespoons × 3 teaspoons/tablespoon = 16 teaspoons. However, measuring 16 teaspoons individually is tedious - use 5 tbsp + 1 tsp instead!
Remember: 1/3 Cup = 5 Tablespoons + 1 Teaspoon!
No more guessing with decimals. This simple formula works every time. Bookmark this page or print the conversion chart for your kitchen!