When I’m cooking or baking and a recipe suddenly switches measurement units, it can slow everything down. One common example is 1 1/3 cup in tablespoons. Some recipes list cups, while others rely on tablespoons for precision. The good news is that this conversion is straightforward.
1 1/3 cups equals 21 1/3 tablespoons, or 21.33 tablespoons when written as a decimal.
Once you understand how this number comes together, converting similar measurements becomes much easier.
Understanding the Basic Cup to Tablespoon Rule
Before breaking down 1 1/3 cups, it helps to know the standard rule used in U.S. measurements.
1 cup equals 16 tablespoons
This is the base conversion used in cooking, baking, and food labeling across the United States. Any cup measurement can be converted by multiplying the number of cups by 16.
Breaking Down 1 1/3 Cup Step by Step
Instead of treating 1 1/3 cups as one number, it’s easier to split it into parts.
1 cup = 16 tablespoons
1/3 cup = 5 1/3 tablespoons
Now add them together.
16 + 5 1/3 = 21 1/3 tablespoons
That’s the exact answer, with no rounding needed.
Decimal Version for Digital Scales and Apps
Some kitchen tools and recipe apps prefer decimal values instead of fractions. In that case, 1 1/3 cups can also be written as:
21.33 tablespoons
This version is useful when you’re using digital measuring tools or converting recipes for larger batches.
Cup to Tablespoon Converter
Why This Conversion Matters in Real Cooking
I’ve noticed that small measurement differences can affect results, especially in baking. Too much flour or liquid can change texture, density, and flavor.
Here are a few common situations where knowing this conversion helps:
– Scaling recipes up or down
– Measuring ingredients without a cup set
– Following international or older recipes
– Improving accuracy in baking
For example, if a sauce recipe needs 1 1/3 cups of broth and you only have a tablespoon measure, counting out 21 1/3 tablespoons keeps the balance right.
Quick Reference Table
| Cup Measurement | Tablespoons | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 16 tbsp | Standard U.S. measurement |
| 1/3 cup | 5 1/3 tbsp | Useful for small recipe portions |
| 1 1/3 cups | 21 1/3 tbsp | Exact conversion value |
Common Measurement Tip I Use
When measuring fractional tablespoons like 1/3, I usually measure 1 tablespoon first and then add 1 teaspoon. Since 1 tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons, this helps maintain accuracy without guessing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many tablespoons are in 1 1/3 cups?
There are exactly 21 1/3 tablespoons in 1 1/3 cups.
Is 21.33 tablespoons the same as 21 1/3 tablespoons?
Yes, 21.33 is the decimal form of 21 1/3 tablespoons.
Can I round 21 1/3 tablespoons?
For casual cooking, rounding to 21 tablespoons is usually fine. For baking, it’s better to measure accurately.
Does this conversion work for U.S. measurements only?
Yes, this conversion follows standard U.S. cup and tablespoon measurements.
What if I only have teaspoons?
Since 1 tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons, 21 1/3 tablespoons equals 64 teaspoons.
Final Thoughts
Knowing that 1 1/3 cups equals 21 1/3 tablespoons makes recipe conversions faster and more confident. Once you get comfortable with these basics, switching between units feels natural instead of frustrating.
If you found this article informative, feel free to check out our other articles as well.