mL to teaspoons converter
Convert millilitres to metric teaspoons. 1 teaspoon = 5 mL. Includes a table for 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 12.5 and 15 mL.
mL ⇄ teaspoons converter
Active standard: Metric teaspoon = 5 mL
1 metric teaspoon equals 5 mL.
To convert mL to teaspoons, divide the millilitres by 5.
Both millilitres and teaspoons measure volume, so the conversion is always the same and does not depend on the ingredient or its density.
A teaspoon (tsp) is not the same as a tablespoon (tbsp). One metric tablespoon equals 15 mL.
mL to teaspoons table
| mL | Teaspoons |
|---|---|
| 1.25 mL | 0.25 |
| 2.5 mL | 0.5 |
| 5 mL | 1 |
| 7.5 mL | 1.5 |
| 10 mL | 2 |
| 12.5 mL | 2.5 |
| 15 mL | 3 |
| 20 mL | 4 |
| 25 mL | 5 |
Teaspoons and tablespoons are not the same measure
Two different measures that are easy to mix up:
- Teaspoon (tsp). The small measure: 1 metric teaspoon = 5 mL.
- Tablespoon (tbsp). The large measure: 1 metric tablespoon = 15 mL.
- How they relate. 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons = 15 mL. This page converts to teaspoons, not tablespoons.
How to convert millilitres to teaspoons
Divide the millilitres by 5, because each metric teaspoon holds 5 mL:
teaspoons = millilitres ÷ 5
- 12.5 ÷ 5 = 2.5 teaspoons
- 1.25 ÷ 5 = 0.25 teaspoon
Because both units measure volume, you don't need the ingredient's density: the result is the same for water, milk, oil or vanilla extract.
Metric teaspoon vs US customary teaspoon
- Metric teaspoon = 5 mL. The default standard here, and the value used for food labeling and dosing (21 CFR 101.9). It is a convention, not the exact US customary teaspoon.
- US customary teaspoon = 4.92892159375 mL. Defined as 1⁄6 of a US fluid ounce, so it is slightly smaller than 5 mL and not identical to the labeling convention.
- Does the difference matter? About 0.07 mL per teaspoon: negligible for everyday cooking, but it can matter for very precise dosing, such as in baking.
Sources and standard used
The two teaspoon sizes on this page come from primary regulatory and metrological sources:
- U.S. FDA — 21 CFR 101.9(b)(5)(viii), Nutrition labeling of food (eCFR) — Directly defines the labeling/culinary teaspoon: “A teaspoon means 5 milliliters (mL)” (a tablespoon means 15 mL). This is the 5 mL standard selected by default.
- NIST Handbook 44, Appendix C — General Tables of Units of Measurement — Defines the US customary volume units (1 US fluid ounce = 29.5735295625 mL). The US customary teaspoon = 1⁄6 US fluid ounce, so 4.92892159375 mL is derived mathematically from these units — close to, but not the same as, the 5 mL labeling convention.
Looking for tablespoons? Use the mL to tablespoons converter.
mL to teaspoons FAQ
- How many teaspoons is 5 mL?
- 5 mL is exactly 1 metric teaspoon (5 ÷ 5 = 1).
- How many teaspoons is 12.5 mL?
- 12.5 mL is 2.5 metric teaspoons (12.5 ÷ 5 = 2.5).
- How many teaspoons is 1.25 mL?
- 1.25 mL is 0.25 teaspoon, i.e. a quarter teaspoon (1.25 ÷ 5 = 0.25).
- Is a teaspoon always 5 mL?
- The metric teaspoon used by this calculator is 5 mL. The US teaspoon is a little smaller (≈ 4.93 mL), but for everyday cooking the difference is negligible.
- What is the difference between a teaspoon and a tablespoon?
- A teaspoon (tsp) is 5 mL and a tablespoon (tbsp) is 15 mL. One tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons.
- Can I measure millilitres with a kitchen scale?
- A scale measures mass (grams), not volume. Some scales show mL by applying a preset density (usually water's), but to measure volume directly a graduated measuring cup or a dosing syringe is better.