⚖️ Comparison · Updated for 2026

UK / US Tablespoon vs Australian Tablespoon

Side-by-side comparison, when-to-use-each guide, and instant conversion. Reviewed for 2026.

Quick answer: UK tbsp = 15 ml exactly. US tbsp = 14.79 ml (essentially 15 ml). Australian tbsp = 20 ml (yes, really). Using a UK/US tbsp in an Australian recipe undershoots by 25%. New Zealand uses 15 ml like the rest of the world.
Decision guide — when to use which
Use UK / US Tablespoon when…

UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, most of Europe.

Use Australian Tablespoon when…

Australia only. Australia officially switched to 20 ml in the 1970s to match metric (4 tsp × 5 ml = 20 ml).

📊 Side-by-side comparison
Aspect UK / US Tablespoon Australian Tablespoon
UK tbsp 15 ml exactly 20 ml
US tbsp 14.79 ml 20 ml
NZ tbsp 15 ml 20 ml
1 cup contains 16 tbsp (UK/US) 12.5 tbsp (Australia, 250 ml cup)
1 tsp 5 ml everywhere 5 ml everywhere

Frequently asked

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Why is Australia different?

When Australia went metric in the 1970s, they defined 1 tbsp as 4 tsp (20 ml) for clean metric ratios. Most other countries kept the older 15 ml or 14.79 ml standard.

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Does this matter in cooking?

Yes for baking — 25% more baking soda or salt is noticeable. For savoury cooking, less critical. Australian recipes always use Australian tablespoons; if you're abroad and converting, multiply by 1.33.

Reviewed for 2026. This comparison is general guidance based on publicly available information. Prices, rates, rules and specifications change, so check current details with the provider or an official source before making a decision. Built by a UK-based qualified primary teacher and FA Level 2 coach as part of 247QuickTools' free utility-tools project. We don't sell SEO links or accept paid placements in this content.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Australia different?

When Australia went metric in the 1970s, they defined 1 tbsp as 4 tsp (20 ml) for clean metric ratios. Most other countries kept the older 15 ml or 14.79 ml standard.

Does this matter in cooking?

Yes for baking — 25% more baking soda or salt is noticeable. For savoury cooking, less critical. Australian recipes always use Australian tablespoons; if you're abroad and converting, multiply by 1.33.