Wondering how many tablespoons are in a quarter cup? The answer is 4—and I’ve got a chart to help you convert tablespoons to cups (and vice versa) in seconds.
Whether you're doubling a cookie recipe or can't find your measuring cup, here's the easy answer plus a handy conversion chart.
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How to Measure ¼ Cup Without a Measuring Cup
A quarter cup equals 4 tablespoons. It’s a simple swap—so if your ¼ cup is missing, just use 4 tablespoons instead.
Some recipes list a quarter cup while others call for four tablespoons. These are the same amounts so use whatever measuring tool you have handy.
Conversion Chart Tablespoons to Cups
| Tablespoons (tbsp) | Cups (c) |
|---|---|
| 1 tbsp | 1/16 c |
| 2 tbsp | ⅛ c |
| 3 tbsp | 3/16 c |
| 4 tbsp | ¼ c |
| 5 tbsp | 5/16 c |
| 6 tbsp | ⅜ c |
| 7 tbsp | 7/16 c |
| 8 tbsp | ½ c |
| 9 tbsp | 9/16 c |
| 10 tbsp | ⅝ c |
| 11 tbsp | 11/16 c |
| 12 tbsp | ¾ c |
| 13 tbsp | 13/16 c |
| 14 tbsp | ⅞ c |
| 15 tbsp | 15/16 c |
| 16 tbsp | 1 c |
US Versus UK
Not all tablespoons are created equal. If you’re in the UK, your tablespoon is slightly larger than a U.S. tablespoon.
Here’s what to know:
- US tablespoon = 14.2 ml
- UK tablespoon = 15 ml
That small difference can add up in baking.
1 US tablespoon = 14.2 ml
1 UK tablespoon = 15 ml
1 US cup = 240 ml
1 UK cup = 250 ml
Since Kitchen Serf recipes use U.S. measurements, use U.S. measuring cups and spoons whenever possible for the most accurate results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tablespoons are in a ¼ cup?
There are 4 tablespoons in ¼ cup.
Is a ¼ cup the same as 4 tablespoons?
¼ cup equals 4 tablespoons.
How many tablespoons in a cup?
There are 16 tablespoons in one US cup.
Can I use a ¼ cup instead of 4 tablespoons?
Yes! They measure the same amount. If a recipe calls for 4 tablespoons, you can use a quarter measuring cup to save time.
Are US and UK Tablespoons the Same Size?
No, a US ¼ cup is slightly smaller than a UK ¼ cup because UK tablespoons are bigger (15 ml vs. 14.2 ml).
Ready to Use That ¼ Cup Knowledge?
Now that you’ve nailed your measurements, why not bake something sweet?
Here are a few cookie recipes that use ¼ cup.
- Gooey Butter Cake Cookies – Made with cake mix and cream cheese for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Easy Sprinkle Cookies – Colorful, chewy, and no chilling required.
- Cannoli Cookies – Filled with ricotta, orange zest, and chocolate chips. A flavor-packed favorite!
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