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5 ml is equal to about 1 teaspoon. More precisely, 5 milliliters is 1.01 US teaspoons, because one US teaspoon holds 4.93 ml. Going the other way, one teaspoon to ml is 4.93 ml in US measurements, and exactly 5 ml for a metric teaspoon, so for everyday cooking you can treat 5 ml and 1 teaspoon as the same.
If you have a recipe in milliliters and only a set of measuring spoons, or a bottle of vanilla that says "5 ml" and you want to know how much that really is, this guide has you covered. Below you will find the exact math, a quick conversion chart, and practical tips for measuring small amounts accurately in the kitchen.
5 ml to Teaspoon: The Exact Conversion
The US customary teaspoon is defined as one-third of a US tablespoon, which works out to 4.92892 ml. To convert milliliters to teaspoons, divide by that number:
- 5 ml ÷ 4.92892 = 1.0144 teaspoons
The difference between 5 ml and one US teaspoon is just 0.07 ml, roughly one or two drops. That is far smaller than the normal variation you get from leveling a spoon by hand, so in cooking and baking, 5 ml = 1 teaspoon is the accepted shortcut.
One Teaspoon to ml: Which Teaspoon Are You Using?
The answer to "one teaspoon to ml" depends a little on where the recipe comes from.
| Teaspoon type | Milliliters | Where you see it |
|---|---|---|
| US customary teaspoon | 4.93 ml | Most American recipes and measuring spoons |
| US nutrition label teaspoon | 5 ml | Food and supplement labels in the US |
| Metric teaspoon | 5 ml | UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most of the world |
| Old British imperial teaspoon | About 5.9 ml | Very old British cookbooks |
In practice, a modern measuring spoon marked "1 tsp" holds 5 ml or a hair under, so you can use it for any recipe that calls for 5 ml. The only time the difference matters is with very old British recipes, which are rare.
ml to Teaspoon Conversion Chart
Use this chart for the most common small amounts. Values are rounded to two decimal places, with the closest practical spoon measurement in the last column.
| Milliliters | US teaspoons (exact) | Practical measurement |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 ml | 0.10 tsp | About 1/8 tsp, scant |
| 1 ml | 0.20 tsp | About 1/5 tsp |
| 1.25 ml | 0.25 tsp | 1/4 tsp |
| 2 ml | 0.41 tsp | A little under 1/2 tsp |
| 2.5 ml | 0.51 tsp | 1/2 tsp |
| 3 ml | 0.61 tsp | About 5/8 tsp |
| 4 ml | 0.81 tsp | A little over 3/4 tsp |
| 5 ml | 1.01 tsp | 1 tsp |
| 7.5 ml | 1.52 tsp | 1 1/2 tsp |
| 10 ml | 2.03 tsp | 2 tsp |
| 15 ml | 3.04 tsp | 3 tsp, or 1 tablespoon |
| 20 ml | 4.06 tsp | 4 tsp |
| 25 ml | 5.07 tsp | 5 tsp |
| 30 ml | 6.09 tsp | 6 tsp, or 2 tablespoons |
Teaspoon to ml Conversion Chart
Going the other direction is just as easy. Multiply the number of teaspoons by 4.93.
| US teaspoons | Milliliters |
|---|---|
| 1/16 tsp | 0.31 ml |
| 1/8 tsp | 0.62 ml |
| 1/4 tsp | 1.23 ml |
| 3/8 tsp | 1.85 ml |
| 1/2 tsp | 2.46 ml |
| 3/4 tsp | 3.70 ml |
| 1 tsp | 4.93 ml |
| 1 1/2 tsp | 7.39 ml |
| 2 tsp | 9.86 ml |
| 3 tsp (1 tbsp) | 14.79 ml |
For tiny fractions, our guides on how to measure 1/16 of a teaspoon, how to measure 1/8 of a teaspoon and how to measure 3/8 teaspoon show simple ways to get those amounts without special tools.
How to Convert ml to Teaspoons in Your Head
You do not need a calculator for most kitchen conversions. Two easy rules cover nearly everything:
- Divide milliliters by 5 to get teaspoons. 10 ml ÷ 5 = 2 tsp. 2.5 ml ÷ 5 = 1/2 tsp.
- Multiply teaspoons by 5 to get milliliters. 3 tsp × 5 = 15 ml.
These shortcuts are off by about 1.4 percent, which is too small to affect a recipe. Only switch to the exact 4.93 number if you are scaling a recipe up by a lot, such as converting 500 ml of liquid into teaspoons for a big batch.
How to Measure 5 ml Accurately
Even with the right conversion, how you measure makes the biggest difference.
- Use a real measuring spoon, not a tableware spoon. Silverware teaspoons vary widely. Many hold anywhere from about 2.5 ml to 7 ml, so stirring spoons are not reliable for measuring.
- Fill liquids to the brim. For water, vanilla, oil or lemon juice, hold the spoon level and fill it until the liquid sits right at the edge without spilling over.
- Level dry ingredients. For baking powder, salt or spices, scoop a heaping spoonful and sweep the top flat with the back of a knife.
- Measure over a separate bowl. That way any overflow does not end up in your batter.
- For very small amounts, use drops or a mini spoon. Our guide on how many drops are in a teaspoon explains how to measure tiny amounts of extracts and flavorings.
A good set of measuring spoons is the most useful tool for this job. Look for a set that is clearly engraved (not printed, since print wears off), includes 1/8 and 1/2 teaspoon sizes, and has narrow bowls that fit into spice jars. Our buying guide to magnetic measuring spoons covers what to look for. If you need a new set, you can Check price on Amazon.
A small graduated measuring cup or shot-glass-style measure marked in milliliters is handy if you cook from metric recipes often. You can Check price on Amazon.
Is 5 ml the Same as One Teaspoon for Medicine?
Liquid medicine is often dosed in milliliters, and "5 ml" is a very common dose. While 5 ml does equal one metric teaspoon, do not measure medicine with a kitchen spoon. Health authorities, including the FDA, recommend using the oral syringe, dosing cup or dropper that comes with the medicine, because kitchen spoons and tableware are easy to overfill or underfill. If a dosing device is missing, ask a pharmacist for one. Always follow the label or your doctor's directions.
Common ml Measurements in Recipes
Here is what some everyday metric amounts look like in spoons:
- 2.5 ml: 1/2 teaspoon, common for baking soda, salt and spices.
- 5 ml: 1 teaspoon, typical for vanilla extract and baking powder.
- 15 ml: 1 tablespoon, often used for oil, soy sauce and vinegar. If you need half of that, see how to measure half a tablespoon.
- 30 ml: 2 tablespoons, or 1 US fluid ounce.
- 60 ml: 4 tablespoons, or 1/4 cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 ml exactly 1 teaspoon?
It is exactly one metric teaspoon. A US teaspoon is 4.93 ml, so 5 ml is 1.01 US teaspoons, close enough to treat as 1 teaspoon in cooking.
How many ml are in one teaspoon?
One US teaspoon is 4.93 ml. A metric teaspoon, used in most countries outside the US, is 5 ml.
How many teaspoons is 10 ml?
10 ml is about 2 teaspoons (2.03 US teaspoons).
How many teaspoons is 2.5 ml?
2.5 ml is 1/2 teaspoon.
Is a tablespoon 15 ml?
A metric tablespoon is 15 ml and a US tablespoon is 14.79 ml. In Australia, a tablespoon is 20 ml, so check where an Australian recipe comes from.
Can I use a regular spoon to measure 5 ml?
For cooking, a regular spoon gives only a rough estimate because silverware sizes vary. Use a measuring spoon for baking, and use the included dosing device for medicine.
Conclusion
5 ml to teaspoon is one of the easiest conversions in the kitchen: 5 ml is 1 teaspoon for all practical purposes, and one teaspoon is 4.93 ml (US) or 5 ml (metric). Keep the charts above handy, use a proper set of measuring spoons, and you can switch between metric and US recipes without second-guessing your measurements. If a recipe lists ounces instead, see one teaspoon, how many ounces.
