Grams to Teaspoons Converter

The number of grams in a teaspoon varies significantly by ingredient due to different densities:

• Sugar (white): ~4.2 grams per teaspoon
• All-purpose Flour: ~2.6 grams per teaspoon
• Table Salt: ~6 grams per teaspoon
• Baking Powder: ~4 grams per teaspoon
• Baking Soda: ~4.8 grams per teaspoon
• Ground Cinnamon: ~2.6 grams per teaspoon
• Cocoa Powder: ~2.5 grams per teaspoon
• Water: ~5 grams per teaspoon
• Honey: ~7 grams per teaspoon
• Vegetable Oil: ~4.5 grams per teaspoon

These are approximate values and may vary slightly by brand, temperature, and how the ingredient is measured.

To convert grams to teaspoons for spices, divide the weight in grams by the density (grams per teaspoon) of the specific spice:

Teaspoons = Grams ÷ Density (grams per teaspoon)

Common spice densities (approximate):

• Ground Cinnamon: 2.6 g/tsp
• Ground Turmeric: 2.8 g/tsp
• Paprika: 2.3 g/tsp
• Ground Nutmeg: 2.1 g/tsp
• Garlic Powder: 3.1 g/tsp
• Ground Ginger: 1.8 g/tsp
• Ground Black Pepper: 2.1 g/tsp
• Curry Powder: 2.2 g/tsp
• Chili Powder: 2.5 g/tsp

Example: To convert 5 grams of ground cinnamon to teaspoons: 5 ÷ 2.6 = 1.92 teaspoons (approximately 2 teaspoons).

Note that dried herbs (like basil, oregano, thyme) are much lighter per teaspoon than ground spices, typically ranging from 0.9-1.5 g/tsp.

No, teaspoon measurements vary slightly between systems:

• U.S. teaspoon = 4.93 milliliters (ml)
• Metric teaspoon (used in most countries) = 5 milliliters (ml)
• UK/Imperial teaspoon = 5.92 milliliters (ml)
• Australian teaspoon = 5 milliliters (ml)

While these differences are small, they can add up when scaling recipes, especially in baking where precision matters. This calculator uses the U.S. teaspoon (4.93 ml) for conversions.

For everyday cooking, the difference between a U.S. and metric teaspoon (about 1.4%) is negligible. However, when following precise recipes or working with ingredients where small amounts matter (like leavening agents), these variations can be significant.

In the U.S. customary measurement system:

1 tablespoon (tbsp) = 3 teaspoons (tsp)

This conversion is consistent across most measurement systems, including the U.S., metric, and Imperial systems.

Other useful volume conversions:

• 1 fluid ounce = 2 tablespoons = 6 teaspoons
• ¼ cup = 4 tablespoons = 12 teaspoons
• ⅓ cup = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon = 16 teaspoons
• ½ cup = 8 tablespoons = 24 teaspoons
• 1 cup = 16 tablespoons = 48 teaspoons

When converting recipes, remember that the relationship between teaspoons and tablespoons remains constant, but the conversion to grams will vary by ingredient.

Weight measurements (grams, ounces) offer several advantages over volume measurements (teaspoons, tablespoons, cups) for baking:

• Consistency: Weight remains the same regardless of how an ingredient is packed, sifted, or measured
• Precision: Weight provides exact quantities, while volume can vary significantly based on measuring technique
• Reliability: Environmental factors like humidity affect volume but not weight
• Scalability: Recipes are easier to scale up or down accurately using weight
• Fewer tools needed: One scale replaces multiple measuring cups and spoons

For example, a cup of flour can weigh anywhere from 120-150g depending on whether it's sifted, spooned in, or scooped directly with the cup. This 20-25% variation can significantly affect recipe outcomes, especially in sensitive recipes like cakes or bread.

Professional bakers and most international recipes use weight measurements for these reasons. However, volume measurements remain popular in home kitchens due to convenience and tradition, particularly in the United States.

When you don't have a kitchen scale but need to measure by weight, you can use these strategies:

1. Use volume-to-weight conversion tables: Like the ones provided in our calculator, to convert gram measurements to teaspoons or tablespoons
2. Follow standard measuring techniques:
   • For flour: Spoon it into your measuring cup/spoon and level with a straight edge
   • For sugar: Pour into the measuring tool and level off
   • For brown sugar: Pack firmly into the measuring tool
   • For spices: Fill the measuring spoon and level off
3. Use household objects for estimation:
   • A U.S. penny weighs approximately 2.5 grams
   • A U.S. nickel weighs 5 grams
   • A standard paper clip weighs about 1 gram
4. Make your own balance scale: In a pinch, you can make a simple balance with a ruler and equal containers

Keep in mind that these methods are approximations. For recipes where precision matters, especially in baking or when working with small quantities of potent ingredients, investing in an inexpensive digital kitchen scale is highly recommended.

For accurate measurements of dry ingredients using measuring spoons:

1. Select the correct measuring spoon: Choose the size that matches your recipe requirement (¼ teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, etc.)
2. Fill the spoon properly: Dip the measuring spoon into your ingredient (flour, spices, etc.) and overfill it slightly
3. Level it off: Using a straight edge (like the back of a knife or a chopstick), sweep across the top of the measuring spoon to remove excess ingredient and create a level surface
4. For brown sugar and similar ingredients: Pack these firmly into the measuring spoon with the back of a smaller spoon
5. For dried herbs: Fill the spoon but don't pack it down—these should be measured loosely

Additional tips:

• Measure over a clean plate or piece of paper to catch any spills that can be returned to the container
• For very light ingredients (like baking soda), tap the spoon lightly after filling to settle the ingredient
• Use nested measuring spoons that stay together for convenience and to avoid losing individual spoons
• Clean and completely dry measuring spoons between different ingredients to prevent contamination