Wondering how many tablespoons equal one stick of butter? If you have a recipe that uses tablespoon measurements, but your stick of butter is not labeled or the wrapper is missing, this quick guide is exactly what you need!
How Many Tablespoons Are in a Stick of Butter in the US?
In the United States, a standard stick of butter measures 1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons. Therefore, there are 8 tablespoons in one stick of butter. You can also find “half” sticks of butter, which measure 1/4 cup or 4 tablespoons.
Each tablespoon is equal to 1/16th of a cup or approximately 14.7 grams. It’s worth noting that the measurement may vary slightly in different countries, so it’s always a good idea to check the packaging or use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
Why Would You Need to Know How Many Tablespoons Are in a Stick?
Knowing how many tablespoons are in a stick of butter is helpful when following recipes listing butter measurements in tablespoons. Some recipes may provide measurements in terms of tablespoons for convenience or if the butter is melted and easier to measure that way. By understanding the conversion, you can easily adapt the recipe and measure the appropriate amount of butter using tablespoons. It allows for flexibility and accuracy in cooking and baking.
Additionally, not every brand labels their sticks of butter with tablespoon measurements on the wrapping. And even if they do, those wrappers can be slightly askew when they are placed around each stick of butter by a machine. As a result, if you cut your butter using the wrapper as a guideline there is always a possibility that the measurement will be slightly inaccurate.
Why is it Important to Measure Butter Accurately?
- Consistency: When following a recipe, precise measurements ensure consistency in the final result. Butter plays a crucial role in the texture, structure, and flavor of many dishes. Using the correct amount of butter ensures that your recipe turns out as intended each time you make it.
- Texture and Moisture: Butter provides moisture, tenderness, and richness to baked goods. Too little or too much butter can impact the texture of the final product. Accurate measurement helps achieve the desired texture, whether it’s light and fluffy or rich and moist.
- Flavor Balance: Butter contributes to the overall flavor of a dish. Using the correct amount ensures the right balance of flavors and prevents any overpowering or lacking taste.
Conversion Chart for Measuring Butter
Here is a handy conversion chart you can use for quick reference:
| Cups | Sticks | Tablespoons | Weight (oz) | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 cup | 1/2 stick | 4 tablespoons | 2 oz. | 57g |
| 1/2 cup | 1 stick | 8 tablespoons | 4 oz. (1/4lb) | 113g |
| 3/4 cup | 1 1/2 sticks | 12 tablespoons | 6 oz. | 170g |
| 1 cup | 2 sticks | 16 tablespoons | 8 oz. (1/2 lb) | 227g |
| 1 1/4 cups | 2 1/2 sticks | 20 tablespoons | 10 oz. | 284g |
| 1 1/2 cups | 3 sticks | 24 tablespoons | 12 oz. (3/4 lb) | 341g |
| 1 3/4 cups | 3 1/2 sticks | 28 tablespoons | 14 oz. | 398g |
| 2 cups | 4 sticks | 32 tablespoons | 16 oz (1 lb) | 454g |
More Resources
- Can You Freeze Butter?
- How Many Ounces Are in a Cup?
- How Many Tablespoons in 1/4 Cup?
- How Many Cups Are in a Pound?
- How Many Cups Are in a Liter?
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