How to Abbreviate Tablespoon and Teaspoon

The baking abbreviations tablespoon and teaspoon are easy to mix up which is a problem since baking needs precise measurements and adding too much or too little of an ingredient can be problematic.

Differences Between Teaspoon vs Tablespoon

A teaspoon is smaller than a tablespoon such that 3 teaspoons equal 1 tablespoon (3 tsp = 1Tbsp).

Why Is a Teaspoon Called a Teaspoon?

The teaspoon was introduced in London in 1686 as the perfect-sized spoon to measure any amount of tea.

Why Is a Tablespoon Called a Tablespoon?

The tablespoon originated in about 1760 as the ideal spoon for use as a serving spoon. The word literally comes from “spoon for table service”.

Differences in Abbreviations

The thing to watch out for when trying to discern if you want to use a tablespoon over a teaspoon is a big “B” or a little “b” in the middle of the abbreviation.

You could end up with a very cinnamony banana bread if you mistake a teaspoon in a recipe for a tablespoon. Just remember teaspoon abbreviation is a lover case “t” or a tsp sans b.

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