Hydrocolloid Compatibility Matrix
See which hydrocolloids work well together for gels, foams, and sauces.
Open Matrix (PDF)
Modernist Ingredients Conversion Tables Tsb. to Tbl. Spoons (Free PDF Cheat Sheet)
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG
Promotions, new products, and recipes.
Updated September 27, 2025
Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned professional, accurate measurements are crucial. Converting teaspoons and tablespoons to grams removes guesswork and improves consistency—especially for hydrocolloids and modernist ingredients.
Below you’ll find easy-to-scan conversion tables for teaspoons (tsp) and tablespoons (tbsp) into grams (g), plus a comprehensive ingredient weight reference. For best accuracy—especially with powders—use a digital kitchen scale.
Key Takeaways
- Converting tsp/tbsp to grams improves precision in cooking and baking.
- Different ingredients have different densities—use ingredient-specific conversions when possible.
- When in doubt, weigh ingredients for consistency and repeatable results.
- Our free food calculators make scaling and conversions fast.
Teaspoons to Grams Conversion Table
| Teaspoons | Grams |
|---|---|
| 1 tsp | 4.2 g |
| 2 tsp | 8.4 g |
| 3 tsp | 12.6 g |
| 4 tsp | 16.8 g |
| 5 tsp | 21 g |
Looking to understand ingredient terminology?
Tablespoons to Grams Conversion Table
| Tablespoons | Grams |
|---|---|
| 1 tbsp | 14.2 g |
| 2 tbsp | 28.4 g |
| 3 tbsp | 42.6 g |
| 4 tbsp | 56.8 g |
| 5 tbsp | 71 g |
More tools for precision
Common Kitchen Conversions
| Teaspoons / Tablespoons | Grams |
|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon | 5 g |
| 1/2 tablespoon | 4 g |
| 1 tablespoon | 15 g |
| 1/4 cup | 30 g |
| 1/3 cup | 40 g |
| 1/2 cup | 60 g |
| 1 cup | 120 g |
Note: weights vary by ingredient (e.g., flour vs. oil). For precise dosing with hydrocolloids, always weigh.
Ingredient-specific density matters—start here
Ingredient Weight Reference (per Teaspoon & Tablespoon)
| Ingredient | Grams per Tsp | Grams per Tbsp | Ingredient | Grams per Tsp | Grams per Tbsp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agar Agar | 2.5g | 7.5g | Locust Bean Gum | 3.4g | 10.2g |
| Amidated Low Methoxyl Pectin | 2.6g | 7.8g | Maltodextrin | 2.8g | 8.4g |
| Acacia (Gum Arabic) | 1.3g | 5.3g | Methylcellulose HV | 1.2g | 3.6g |
| Banana Powder | 2.8g | 8.4g | Methylcellulose LV | 1.4g | 4.2g |
| Calcium Carbonate | 3g | 9.1g | Pear Powder | 2.8g | 8.4g |
| Calcium Chloride | 4g | 12g | Pineapple Powder | 2.8g | 8.4g |
| Calcium Lactate | 2.7g | 8.1g | Potassium Alginate | 4.1g | 12.3g |
| Calcium Lactate Gluconate | 3.1g | 9.3g | Propylene Glycol Alginate (PGA) | 2.9g | 8.7g |
| Citric Acid | 3.8g | 11.4g | Raspberry Powder | 2.8g | 8.4g |
| Gellan Gum F | 2g | 6g | Sodium Alginate | 2.5g | 7.5g |
| Gellan Gum LT100 | 1.7g | 5.1g | Sodium Citrate | 4.1g | 12.3g |
| Guar Gum | 2.6g | 7.8g | Lecithin (Soy vs Sunflower) | 1.9g | 5.8g |
| Gum Arabic | 1.3g | 5.3g | Strawberry Powder | 2.8g | 8.4g |
| Iota Carrageenan | 2.5g | 7.5g | Sunflower Lecithin Powder | 1.6g | 5g |
| Kappa Carrageenan | 1.8g | 5.4g | Tara Gum | 2.8g | 8.4g |
| Konjac Gum | 3.2g | 9.6g | Xanthan Gum | 3.1g | 9.3g |
| Lambda Carrageenan | 2.3g | 6.9g | Tara Gum | 2.8g | 8.4g |
| Lemon Powder | 2.8g | 8.4g | Xanthan Gum | 3.1g | 9.3g |
Explore our ingredient deep-dives
Conclusion
Mastering weight conversion is essential for consistency. Use these tables to convert tsp/tbsp into grams, and consider weighing hydrocolloids and modernist ingredients to dial in texture with precision.
Found this useful? Try our free food calculators,
or browse the Hydrocolloid Resources Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grams are in 1 teaspoon?
It depends on the ingredient’s density. As a kitchen rule of thumb, 1 tsp is roughly 4–5 grams, but powders like gums vary. Use ingredient-specific tables or a scale.
How many grams are in 1 tablespoon?
Typically 12–15 grams depending on the ingredient. Check the tablespoon tables for precise weights.
What is tsp to grams for xanthan gum?
About 3.1 g per teaspoon (≈9.3 g per tablespoon). Always verify with a scale for precision.
What is tsp to grams for pectin?
Around 2.6 g per teaspoon (≈7.8 g per tablespoon) for amidated low-methoxyl pectin. Check the table for your pectin type.
What is tsp to grams for agar agar?
Roughly 2.5 g per teaspoon (≈7.5 g per tablespoon). Weigh for best results with gels.
Can I use one conversion for all ingredients?
No. Densities vary widely. For accurate dosing—especially with hydrocolloids—use ingredient-specific tables or a kitchen scale.
Where can I download a printable conversion chart?
Use the “Download Free Printable Conversion PDF” buttons at the top and middle of this page for a chef-ready chart.
|
About the Author Ed is the founder of Cape Crystal Brands, editor of the Beginner’s Guide to Hydrocolloids, and a passionate advocate for making food science accessible to all. Discover premium ingredients, expert resources, and free formulation tools at capecrystalbrands.com/tools. — Ed |
Related Posts
New Era of Ingredient Transparency? How Congress, Industry and Regulators Are Colliding Over Food Dyes and Additives
A bipartisan bill seeks to overhaul how food companies report ingredients; big food firms are responding — reluctant...
More Info
Key Things to Know About Using Sodium Alginate in Food
If you excel in preparing perfectly-shaped fruit caviar, a gel-like dessert, or a sauce that turns into delicate pear...
More Info
Why the Demand for Xanthan Gum is Soaring: What that Means for Gluten-Free Bakers
Xanthan gum is becoming more popular. It helps make wheat-free treats soft and moist. People in the United States wan...
More Info- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.