Hydrocolloid Compatibility Matrix
See which hydrocolloids work well together for gels, foams, and sauces.
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Modernist Ingredient Conversion Tables (Accurate Ratios for Home Cooks)
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Updated December 19, 2025
Whether you're starting out as a cooking novice or are already a pro, measurements matter. Converting tsp, tbsp, and tbsp measurements to grams can help avoid discrepancies, especially with hydrocolloids and modernist ingredients.
This reference is part of my Food Science Explained series, which breaks down how ingredients function in real-world cooking and formulation.
The following table provides conversion factors from teaspoons and tablespoons to grams, and the weights of various ingredients are also given below. The most accurate way to convert powdery substances is to use a digital kitchen scale.
Key Takeaways
- The use of grams equivalently to “tsp” or “tbsp” will improve the accuracy while cooking and baking.
- Densities of the various ingredients will differ, and it is essential to use ingredient-specific conversions.
- When in doubt, weigh the ingredients to achieve a degree of standardization. free food calculators make scaling and conversion simple.
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
To be consistent in measurements, it is essential that you learn about weight conversion. In this regard, you can take advantage of the tables below to convert tsp/tbsp measurements to grams. Also, you may consider weighing the hydrocolloid and modernist ingredient measurements accurately for texture control.
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 for kitchen measurements, 1 tsp is approximately 4-5 grams, but this may vary for powdered ingredients such as gums.
How many grams are in 1 tablespoon?
Normally, 12-15 grams, depending on the ingredient. Check the table below for exact weights.
What is the conversion of tsp to grams for xanthan gum?
Approximately 3.1 grams per teaspoon, or about 9.3 grams per tablespoon. Check your scale for accurate measurement, of course.
How many grams of pectin in tsp?
Approximately 2.6 g per teaspoon, or around 7.8 g per tablespoon, for the use of amidated low methoxyl pectin. It is necessary to refer to
What is tsp to grams for agar agar?
About 2.5 g per teaspoon, 7.5 g per tablespoon. Weigh for best results with gels.
Can a conversion be used for all ingredients?
No. Densities range considerably. For precise calculations, and particularly for hydrocolloids, use the specific tables or a kitchen scale.
Where can I download a printable conversion chart?
To create a chef-friendly table of these conversions, click on either of the “Download Free Printable Conversion PDF” buttons located at the top and middle of this page.
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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 |
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