How Many Tablespoons in 2/3 Cup?
There are 10 2/3 tablespoons in 2/3 cup in the U.S. customary measurement system. What this tells us is if a recipe calls for 2/3 cup, you can measure it using 10 full tablespoons plus 2/3 of another tablespoon. This conversion is useful in baking, cooking, meal prep, and any recipe that uses cups but your measuring tools are in tablespoons.
Cup and tablespoon measurements are common in American recipes, but they can be confusing if you are working with a recipe that lists volume in cups while your kitchen tools are marked differently. Knowing how many tablespoons are in 2/3 cup helps you measure accurately without needing to find a 2/3-cup measuring cup Most people skip this — try not to..
The Short Answer: 10 2/3 Tablespoons
The basic conversion is:
2/3 cup = 10 2/3 tablespoons
We're talking about based on the standard U.S. measurement system, where:
- 1 cup = 16 tablespoons
- Which means, 2/3 cup = 16 × 2/3 = 10 2/3 tablespoons
So, if you are converting 2/3 cup to tablespoons, the answer is 10 and 2/3 tablespoons.
Why 2/3 Cup Equals 10 2/3 Tablespoons
Understanding the math can make this conversion easier to remember. In U.Think about it: s. cooking measurements, one cup contains 16 tablespoons Worth keeping that in mind..
16 × 2/3 = 32/3 = 10 2/3
That means 2/3 cup is equal to 10 full tablespoons plus 2/3 of a tablespoon Practical, not theoretical..
For example:
- 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons
- 1 cup = 16 tablespoons
- 2/3 cup = 10 2/3 tablespoons
- 1/3 cup = 5 1/3 tablespoons
These conversions are especially helpful when you are scaling recipes, adjusting servings, or trying to measure ingredients without the exact measuring cup Surprisingly effective..
How to Measure 2/3 Cup Using Tablespoons
If you do not have a 2/3-cup measuring cup, you can measure it with tablespoons. Here are a few ways to do it.
Method 1: Use 10 Tablespoons Plus 2/3 Tablespoon
This is the most accurate conversion Small thing, real impact..
You would measure:
- 10 level tablespoons
- Plus 2/3 of 1 tablespoon
This gives you the equivalent of 2/3 cup.
Method 2: Use 11 Tablespoons Slightly Less Than Full
If you do not want to measure a partial tablespoon, you can use 11 tablespoons and remove a small amount. Since 11 tablespoons is slightly more than 2/3 cup, you would take away about 1/3 tablespoon No workaround needed..
This method is less precise but can work well for many recipes, especially savory dishes where exact measurements are not critical.
Method 3: Use Teaspoons
Another useful option is to convert tablespoons to teaspoons. Since:
1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons
Then:
10 2/3 tablespoons = 32 teaspoons
So, 2/3 cup equals 32 teaspoons That's the whole idea..
You can measure:
- 10 tablespoons
- Plus 2 teaspoons
This is often easier than trying to estimate 2/3 of a tablespoon The details matter here..
2/3 Cup in Other Measurements
Knowing related conversions can help when you are working with different measuring tools. Here are common equivalents for 2/3 cup:
- 2/3 cup = 10 2/3 tablespoons
- 2/3 cup = 32 teaspoons
- 2/3 cup = 5 1/3 fluid ounces
- 2/3 cup = about 158 milliliters
- 2/3 cup = about 160 grams of water
- 2/3 cup = about 133 grams of granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup = about 152 grams of all-purpose flour, depending on how it is packed
The gram weight can vary depending on the ingredient. Take this: 2/3 cup of flour weighs less than 2/3 cup of sugar or butter because different ingredients have different densities.
Difference Between Dry and Liquid Measurements
A common question is whether 2/3 cup equals 10 2/3 tablespoons for both dry and liquid ingredients. Think about it: in volume, yes, the conversion is the same. One cup is 16 tablespoons whether you are measuring flour, sugar, oil, milk, or water.
On the flip side, the weight of 2/3 cup depends on the ingredient. Which means for liquids, it is often easiest to use a liquid measuring cup or a measuring spoon. For dry ingredients, use dry measuring cups or level off the tablespoons for accuracy But it adds up..
For example:
- 2/3 cup of water is about 158 milliliters.
- 2/3 cup of butter is about 136 grams.
- 2/3 cup of granulated sugar is about 133 grams.
- 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour is about 80 to 85 grams if spooned and leveled, though some sources may list slightly different weights.
How to Measure 2/3 Cup Accurately
Accuracy matters more in baking than in casual cooking. Even so, recipes for cakes, cookies, breads, and pastries often depend on precise ratios. If you are working with ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, or butter, it is best to measure carefully Small thing, real impact..
Here are some tips for measuring 2/3 cup accurately:
- Use level measurements. Do not heap tablespoons unless the recipe says so.
- Use dry measuring spoons for dry ingredients. These are easier to level than liquid measuring spoons.
- Use a liquid measuring cup for liquids. This helps prevent spills and improves accuracy.
- Spoon flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag. Scooping can pack too much flour into the cup.
- Use a kitchen scale when possible. Weight measurements are often more accurate than volume measurements.
If you are converting 2/3 cup to tablespoons, the most accurate method is to use 10 tablespoons plus 2/3 tablespoon, or 10 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons Worth keeping that in mind..
Common Ingredients and 2/3 Cup Conversions
Many recipes call for 2/3 cup of an ingredient. Here are a few common examples and how you might measure it using tablespoons It's one of those things that adds up..
2/3 Cup Butter
Butter is often sold in sticks, and in the U.Consider this: s. On top of that, , one stick equals 1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons. To get 2/3 cup of butter, you need 10 2/3 tablespoons The details matter here..
This is slightly more than one full stick plus 2 2/3 tablespoons. If your butter wrapper has tablespoon markings, you can measure directly from the stick Worth knowing..
2/3 Cup Sugar
For granulated sugar, 2/3 cup equals 10 2/3 tablespoons. You can measure 10 level tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons.
For brown sugar, the
2/3 Cup Brown Sugar
Brown sugar’s moisture content makes it slightly denser than granulated sugar, but the volume conversion remains the same:
- 2/3 cup brown sugar ≈ 10 ⅔ tablespoons (or 10 Tbsp + 2 tsp).
- Weight: About 140–150 g depending on how tightly it’s packed.
Measuring tip: Because brown sugar is often sold in bags with pre‑measured “sugar‑scoops,” you can use those as a quick guide. If you’re using loose brown sugar, spoon it into the measuring cup and then press gently to level it—just enough to eliminate air pockets, but avoid packing it down like you would for flour. This yields a consistent “packed” measurement that most recipes expect.
Other Common Ingredients at 2/3 Cup
| Ingredient | Approx. Weight* | Tbsp/Tsp Equivalent | Measuring Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| All‑purpose flour | 80‑85 g (spooned & leveled) | 10 Tbsp + 2 tsp | Spoon, don’t scoop; tap lightly to settle |
| Whole‑wheat flour | 85‑90 g | 10 Tbsp + 2 tsp | Same technique as all‑purpose |
| Cocoa powder (unsweetened) | 45‑50 g | 10 Tbsp + 2 tsp | Sift first, then spoon & level |
| Honey or maple syrup | 170‑180 g | 10 Tbsp + 2 tsp | Use a liquid measuring cup; it will stick to the sides |
| Olive oil / vegetable oil | 150 g | 10 Tbsp + 2 tsp | Pour into a liquid cup, then read at eye level |
| Milk (whole or skim) | 158 ml ≈ 158 g | 10 Tbsp + 2 tsp | Shake the cup gently before reading |
| Buttermilk | 150 g | 10 Tbsp + 2 tsp | Same as regular milk |
| Yogurt (plain, full‑fat) | 165 g | 10 Tbsp + 2 tsp | Use a liquid cup; it may cling to the rim |
| Eggs (large, beaten) | 1 egg ≈ 50 g; 2/3 cup ≈ 2 large eggs | — | Not measured in tbsp; beat and measure by volume if needed |
*Weights are approximate and can vary with humidity, brand, and packing method.
Quick Reference: 2/3 Cup in Common Kitchen Units
- Tablespoons: 10 Tbsp + 2 tsp
- Teaspoons: 30 tsp (since 1 Tbsp = 3 tsp)
- Fluid ounces: 5 fl oz (US)
- Milliliters: 158 ml
When you need a fast conversion, remember that 1 cup = 16 Tbsp = 8 fl oz = 237 ml, so 2/3 of those values gives the numbers above Worth knowing..
Final Thoughts
Accurate measurement is the backbone of reliable baking. Whether you’re scaling a recipe, swapping ingredients, or simply trying to stay within a nutrition target, knowing that 2/3 cup equals 10 ⅔ tablespoons across most ingredients—and understanding the weight differences for each—gives you the flexibility to choose the method that best suits your kitchen tools Simple as that..
For liquids, a clear liquid measuring cup reduces spillage and improves readability. For dry ingredients, using a set of dry measuring spoons (or a kitchen scale) ensures you level off precisely, avoiding the common pitfalls of over‑packing or under‑scooping.
By keeping a small conversion cheat‑sheet handy and applying the measuring tips above, you’ll achieve consistent results whether you’re whisking a soufflé, kneading bread dough, or simply mixing a quick vinaigrette. Happy measuring!
Pro Tips for Scaling & Substitutions
Understanding the 2/3‑cup benchmark becomes even more powerful when you start scaling recipes up or down. Because 2/3 cup sits awkwardly between 1/2 cup and 3/4 cup, many home cooks instinctively reach for the 1/3‑cup measure twice—and that is perfectly accurate. Still, when a recipe calls for 1 2/3 cups of flour, measuring five level 1/3‑cup scoops is faster and less error‑prone than filling a 1‑cup measure once and then a 2/3‑cup measure.
Halving a recipe?
Half of 2/3 cup is exactly 1/3 cup (5 Tbsp + 1 tsp). No complex fraction math required.
Doubling a recipe?
Two times 2/3 cup equals 1 1/3 cups (1 cup + 1/3 cup). Again, reach for the 1/3‑cup measure four times total And it works..
Substituting by weight
If you’re swapping all‑purpose flour for a gluten‑free blend, match the weight (80–85 g) rather than the volume. Gluten‑free blends often contain starches that pack differently, so 2/3 cup by volume can yield 95 g or more, throwing off hydration ratios The details matter here. But it adds up..
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Why It Matters | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Scooping flour directly with the measuring cup | Compacts the flour, adding up to 20 % more mass. | |
| Using a dry cup for oil or honey | Viscous liquids cling to the rim, leaving residue behind. Practically speaking, | |
| Reading liquid measures from above | Parallax error makes the meniscus look lower than it is. | Use a liquid cup; spray lightly with non‑stick spray for honey/syrup. That's why |
| Ignoring temperature | Cold butter or coconut oil measured in a cup leaves air pockets. And | Bend down to eye level. Consider this: |
A Printable Cheat‑Sheet for Your Fridge
2/3 CUP QUICK LOOKUP
────────────────────
Volume: 10 Tbsp + 2 tsp | 30 tsp | 5 fl oz | 158 ml
────────────────────
Flour (AP): 80–85 g
Sugar (gran): 133 g
Brown sugar: 145 g (packed)
Butter: 151 g (10 Tbsp + 2 tsp)
Oil: 150 g
Honey/Maple: 170–180 g
Yogurt: 165 g
────────────────────
Halve it → 1/3 cup (5 Tbsp + 1 tsp)
Double it → 1 1/3 cups
Print this, laminate it, and tape it inside your pantry door. The next time a recipe calls for 2/3 cup of anything—from cocoa powder to buttermilk—you’ll have the weight, the spoon equivalent, and the scaling math at a glance.
Bottom line: Mastering the 2/3‑cup measure isn’t about memorizing numbers; it’s about building a mental framework that lets you move fluidly between volume, weight, and scale. Whether you’re a weekend muffin maker or a professional pastry chef, that framework is what turns a good bake into a great one—every single time. Happy baking!
