Hydrocolloid Compatibility Matrix
See which hydrocolloids work well together for gels, foams, and sauces.
Open Matrix (PDF)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.
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 | 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
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 | 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
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.
Use an ingredient-specific conversion table because densities vary. For best accuracy—especially with powders—use a kitchen scale to weigh the ingredient.
No. Different ingredients have different densities, so a single conversion isn’t accurate for everything. Check the table for the specific ingredient or weigh it for precision.
No. Tablespoons are a different volume unit and have their own gram equivalents. Refer to the tablespoons-to-grams table for correct conversions.
Visit our Important Tools & Helpful Calculators page for free calculators and additional resources tailored to ingredient conversions and recipe scaling.
![]() |
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 |