Lyla Lindsey
The number of dessert spoons that make up a tablespoon varies depending on the region. In Australia, a tablespoon is defined as 20ml, which is larger than the standard international metric tablespoon of 15ml. There is no distinct Australian metric dessert spoon, but the conversion between the imperial dessert spoon and the Australian metric tablespoon is approximately 1 imperial dessert spoon to 1.7 Australian metric tablespoons, or conversely, 1 Australian metric tablespoon to 0.6 imperial dessert spoons.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International metric tablespoon | 15 mL |
| Australian metric tablespoon | 20 mL |
| Dessert spoon (imperial) to tablespoon (Australian metric) conversion | 1 dessert spoon = 0.59193880208333 tablespoon |
| Tablespoon (Australian metric) to dessert spoon (imperial) conversion | 1 tablespoon = 1.689363826937 dessert spoons |
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What You'll Learn
An Australian tablespoon is 20ml
In Australia, a tablespoon is defined as 20ml, which is larger than the standard international metric tablespoon of 15ml. This means that Australian tablespoons are around 10-15ml larger than the regular spoons found in cutlery drawers, which are often closer to 10-15ml in size.
The Australian definition of the tablespoon as a unit of volume was established by the Metric Conversion Board in the 1970s during the country's metrication process. This definition sets the Australian tablespoon apart from the rest of the world, where the international metric tablespoon is the standard.
It's worth noting that the capacity of the utensil itself is not defined by law or custom but rather by personal preference. Therefore, the actual volume of a tablespoon can vary and may not always align perfectly with the standardised measurement.
When following a recipe, it's important to be mindful of these measurement differences. To ensure accuracy, it's recommended to check the recipe for quantities in millilitres or to use measuring spoon sets that are specifically calibrated for Australian measurements. By paying attention to these details, you can avoid potential mishaps in the kitchen and achieve better results in your culinary endeavours.
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An international tablespoon is 15ml
In Australia, the definition of a tablespoon as a unit of volume is different from that of the rest of the world. An Australian metric tablespoon is 20ml, while an international metric tablespoon is exactly 15ml. This is equivalent to 1½ metric dessert spoons or three metric teaspoons.
The international tablespoon of 15ml is also equivalent to approximately 0.53 imperial fluid ounces or 0.51 US fluid ounces. This is slightly larger than the US liquid tablespoon, which is approximately 14.8ml, and the British tablespoon, which is approximately 14.2ml.
In recipes, a level tablespoon is usually specified for dry ingredients, meaning the spoon is filled and then scraped level. A heaped or rounded tablespoon is not levelled off and includes a heap above the spoon. The exact volume of a heaped tablespoon depends on the shape of the spoon and the substance being measured.
Historically, the term 'tablespoon' referred to a large spoon used for eating soup. It was reserved for this purpose when the place setting became popular in the 18th century, along with the 'table-fork' and 'table-knife'.
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Metric conversion in the 1970s
In Australia, the process of metric conversion, or metrication, began in the 1970s. The country's transition to the metric system paralleled that of New Zealand but contrasted with the partial metrication in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
The process of metrication in Australia was facilitated by the Metric Conversion Act, passed by the Australian Parliament in June 1970. This Act led to the creation of the Metric Conversion Board, which was responsible for overseeing the conversion of measurements from imperial to metric. The Board was active until 1981.
The metric changeover in Australia started in earnest in 1971, with the Australian wool industry becoming the first to adopt the metric system. In 1972, horse racing and air temperatures followed suit, and by 1973, all primary and secondary schools were teaching the metric system. The year 1974 saw large-scale conversion across various industries, including packaged goods, dairy, building, textiles, and postal services.
By the end of the 1970s, most industries in Australia had converted to the metric system. However, the property industry, the last major holdout, did not convert until 1987. With Western Australia fully implementing the change in 1988, metrication was completed nationwide, and the metric system became the only legal system of measurement in Australia.
It is worth noting that the definition of the Australian metric tablespoon was promulgated by the Metric Conversion Board during this period in the 1970s. The Australian metric tablespoon is defined as 20 mL, which is larger than the international metric tablespoon of 15 mL.
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Australia uses the metric system
The metric system in Australia is used for weights and routes, as well as length measurements in building and construction. The metre (m) and millimetre (mm) are the standard units for linear measurement, with the kilometre (km) used when necessary. The centimetre is not to be used in calculations or written down. An example of the application of the metric system in Australia is in horse racing, where the Melbourne Cup distance was changed from 2 miles to 3,200 metres, reflecting the metric system's convenience for measurements.
The pharmaceutical industry in Australia had already adopted the metric system by 1965, and the chemical and electronics industries followed suit before the official metrication process began. This was due to the absence of imperial units in these fields. The metric system also offered advantages in terms of weighing and measuring, often resulting in increased efficiency. Additionally, the metric system was already familiar to many Australians through exports, migration, and education.
While Australia primarily uses the metric system, there are some exceptions where imperial units are still used. For example, people often refer to television screen sizes and tyre pressure in inches. Heights are also sometimes given in feet and inches, especially among older generations. However, these instances are often influenced by the US market or cultural proximity to the UK, where imperial measurements are more common.
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Millilitres (ml) conversion
A millilitre (ml) is a unit used to measure volume. It is an SI unit of volume in the metric system, where "milli" is the prefix for thousandths, or 10-3. One millilitre is equal to one cubic centimetre (1ml = 1 cm3). Millilitres are used to measure small amounts of liquids and are commonly used in the medical and mechanics fields.
The millilitre is also used in cooking and baking, especially in countries that follow the metric system, such as Australia. In Australia, the tablespoon is a unit of volume defined as 20 millilitres, which is different from the international metric tablespoon, which is defined as 15 millilitres.
Converting millilitres to tablespoons in Australia is a simple process. Since one Australian tablespoon is equal to 20 millilitres, you can divide the volume in millilitres by 20 to get the equivalent volume in tablespoons. For example, if you have 40 millilitres, dividing it by 20 gives you two Australian tablespoons.
Conversely, to convert from Australian tablespoons to millilitres, you multiply the volume in tablespoons by 20. So, one Australian tablespoon is equal to 20 millilitres, two tablespoons are equal to 40 millilitres, and so on.
It is important to note that the conversion factor may vary slightly depending on whether you are measuring dry or liquid ingredients, as the exact volume of a tablespoon can be affected by the shape of the spoon and the properties of the substance being measured.
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Frequently asked questions
An Australian metric tablespoon is 20ml, which is equivalent to 1.5 dessert spoons.
In most other countries, a tablespoon is 15ml, which is smaller than the Australian tablespoon.
Yes, a dessert spoon is a unit of volume used in Australia and is 10ml, which is smaller than a tablespoon.
One imperial dessert spoon is approximately 0.59 Australian tablespoons, while one Australian tablespoon is approximately 1.69 imperial dessert spoons.
