A practical guide to looking up and applying unit conversions
Reading a Conversion Table
A conversion table shows equivalent amounts across different units. Find your starting unit in one column, then read across to find the equivalent in another unit.
Kitchen Volume Conversions
Teaspoons
Tablespoons
Fluid Ounces
Cups
3
1
0.5
1/16
6
2
1
1/8
48
16
8
1
From this table: 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons = 0.5 fluid ounces.
Using Tables for Conversion
How many tablespoons in 2 cups?
From the table: 1 cup = 16 tablespoons
2 cups = 2 × 16 = 32 tablespoons
The table gives you the conversion factor. Then you multiply or set up a proportion for your specific amount.
When the Exact Value Isn't in the Table
If you need a value between rows, use the conversion factor from the table to calculate. For example, if the table shows 1 inch = 2.54 cm, and you need 3.5 inches, multiply: 3.5 × 2.54 = 8.89 cm.
💡 Build your own tables: For repeated conversions (like a recipe you make often), make a quick table for the specific amounts you use. It saves time and prevents errors.
🎯 Practice Problems
1. Using the table: 1 cup = 16 tablespoons. How many tablespoons in 3/4 cup?
A) 8
B) 10
C) 12
D) 16
2. A table shows 1 kg = 2.205 lbs. How many pounds is 4 kg?
A) 6.2 lbs
B) 8.82 lbs
C) 4.41 lbs
D) 0.55 lbs
3. From a table: 1 mile = 1.609 km. You ran 5 km. How many miles?
A) 3.11 miles
B) 8.05 miles
C) 5 miles
D) 0.31 miles
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🎯 Bonus Practice
1. Table: 1 gallon = 4 quarts = 8 pints. How many pints in 3 gallons?
A) 12 pints
B) 16 pints
C) 24 pints
D) 32 pints
2. A table shows 1 inch = 2.54 cm. A phone is 15 cm long. How many inches?
A) 5.9 inches
B) 6.3 inches
C) 38.1 inches
D) 12.5 inches
3. Table: 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon. A recipe calls for 2.5 tablespoons. How many teaspoons?
A) 5
B) 5.5
C) 7.5
D) 8.3
4. Table: 1 lb = 16 oz. A package is 2.25 lbs. How many ounces?
A) 18.25 oz
B) 32 oz
C) 36 oz
D) 2.25 oz
5. A table shows 1 liter = 1,000 mL. A dose is 0.75 mL. How many doses in 1 liter?