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Ten Things You Maybe Didn't Know About the US Teaspoon

1. It’s 1/3 of a US tablespoon

A US teaspoon is equal to 1/3 of a US tablespoon, which means it’s smaller and typically used for more precise measurements, especially when baking or cooking.

2. Commonly used in cooking and medicine

The teaspoon is widely used in both cooking and medicine. It’s the go-to unit for measuring small quantities of ingredients, spices, or even liquid medicines.

3. 1 teaspoon equals 4.9 milliliters

In metric terms, a US teaspoon equals about 4.9 milliliters. While not exactly 5 ml, it’s close enough for most everyday use, especially in recipes.

4. Used in both liquid and dry measurements

Unlike some other units that are reserved for liquid or dry ingredients, the teaspoon is flexible. Whether you're measuring water, flour, or sugar, it works for both!

5. It’s part of the US customary system

The US teaspoon belongs to the US customary system, which is distinct from the metric system. So, while it may be familiar in the U.S., it might be confusing if you’re dealing with other systems like the metric system.

6. Kitchen staple

Many recipes call for teaspoons, especially for spices, extracts, or smaller amounts of baking soda. You’ll almost always find a teaspoon measurement on your recipe card or label.

7. It’s different from the UK teaspoon

The US teaspoon is slightly different from the UK version. A UK teaspoon is about 5.92 ml, which is a little bigger than the US teaspoon. So, don’t assume they’re exactly the same if you're following a recipe from abroad!

8. One of the most versatile kitchen tools

Teaspoons are used for more than just measuring. They’re great for stirring drinks, like tea or coffee, or even for scooping small amounts of ingredients directly into your pots and pans.

9. Can be used for both teaspoons of sugar and teaspoons of salt

When it comes to seasonings, a teaspoon of sugar and a teaspoon of salt don’t weigh the same, but the unit measurement is still used for both. It’s one of the reasons the teaspoon is so versatile in the kitchen.

10. Sometimes used for personal care products

Interestingly, teaspoons are not just for food. Some personal care products, like skincare creams or medications, are measured out in teaspoons, especially when portioning out smaller amounts for use.