How many mL is 2 tsf? A Complete Conversion Guide

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

Did you know that while an official metric teaspoon is exactly 5 mL, the actual volume of cutlery can vary dramatically? For precise cooking and medication dosages, knowing the exact conversion for how many mL is 2 tsf is critical for success and safety.

Quick Summary

This guide provides the definitive answer to how many mL is 2 tsf (10 mL), explaining the difference between standard and metric measures and detailing best practices for accurate liquid measurement in the kitchen.

Key Points

Conversion: 2 teaspoons (tsf) equals 10 milliliters (mL) based on the standard 5 mL metric teaspoon.
Metric vs. US: The official metric teaspoon is 5 mL, while the US customary teaspoon is slightly less at 4.9289 mL, a difference that is typically insignificant for home cooking.
Accuracy: Precision is most critical for baking and medical dosages, where even small variations can affect results or safety.
Measuring Tools: Use calibrated measuring spoons and syringes, not everyday cutlery, to ensure consistent and accurate volumes.
Technique: Measure liquids on a flat surface and view at eye level to prevent parallax errors.
Safety: For medical applications, always rely on the calibrated device provided by a pharmacist, as kitchen spoons are not standardized.

The Definitive Answer: How Many mL is 2 tsf?

For all practical purposes, such as in cooking, baking, and administering medication, 2 teaspoons (tsf) is equal to 10 milliliters (mL). This is based on the widely accepted standard that 1 metric teaspoon equals 5 mL. However, it is crucial to understand the nuances of this conversion, especially when precision is paramount.

The Metric Teaspoon vs. The US Teaspoon

There are subtle differences in volume depending on whether you are using a standard US teaspoon or a metric teaspoon. While the 5 mL standard is used for most culinary and medical applications, the US customary teaspoon is technically slightly smaller.

Metric Teaspoon: Defined as exactly 5 milliliters. This is the standard you should follow for international recipes and medical dosages.
US Customary Teaspoon: Approximately 4.9289 mL. For most home cooks, this minute difference is negligible, but it highlights why relying on metric measuring devices is often more accurate.

Why Accuracy Matters: Cooking, Baking, and Medicine

Precision in measurement is not always a minor detail. In certain applications, a small error can have a significant impact.

Baking: Chemical leaveners like baking soda and baking powder rely on precise ratios to react correctly. An incorrect measurement can affect the texture, rise, and overall outcome of a baked good. Too much baking powder, for instance, can leave a metallic aftertaste.
Cooking: While often more forgiving than baking, some recipes still benefit from precise liquid measurements. A delicate sauce or marinade could be thrown off balance by a misplaced ingredient. Small deviations can alter the flavor profile of a recipe.
Medicine: This is the most critical area where accuracy is essential. Using a standard kitchen spoon to measure medication is dangerous because its volume can vary wildly. Always use a calibrated oral syringe or measuring cup provided by a pharmacist to ensure the correct dose.

The Importance of Proper Measuring Technique

Knowing the conversion is only half the battle; using the right technique is equally important. Measuring small amounts of liquid requires a level, steady hand.

Use dedicated measuring spoons for the most consistent results. Avoid using cutlery, which is not standardized and has inconsistent volumes.
Place your liquid measuring cup or spoon on a flat, level surface before filling. Never hold it in your hand, as this can lead to an inaccurate reading.
For liquid measurements, bend down to eye level with the measuring spoon or cup to read the volume accurately. This prevents errors caused by parallax, where your viewing angle distorts the measurement.
Fill the spoon to the brim without overflowing. For smaller volumes, ensure the meniscus (the curve of the liquid's surface) is at the correct line.

Teaspoon-to-Milliliter Conversion Table

This quick-reference table provides common conversions to help you with your recipes.


Teaspoons (tsp)	Milliliters (mL)	Application Type
0.5 tsp	2.5 mL	Baking, Cocktails
1 tsp	5 mL	Cooking, General
1.5 tsp	7.5 mL	Baking, Medicine
2 tsp	10 mL	Cooking, Medicine
3 tsp (1 Tbsp)	15 mL	Cooking, Sauces
4 tsp	20 mL	Larger Recipes

Conclusion

Understanding how many mL is 2 tsf is straightforward: for almost all applications, the answer is 10 mL. This is based on the standard metric teaspoon of 5 mL. However, achieving consistent results in your cooking and ensuring safety with medication requires more than just memorizing a number. By using the correct, standardized measuring tools and employing proper technique, you can guarantee accuracy every time. Always opt for metric measurements when precision is vital and remember that a kitchen drawer spoon is no substitute for a real measuring device. Your food will be more delicious, and your medicine will be dosed correctly as a result of this attention to detail. For further information on general conversions, reliable sources like the WebstaurantStore provide comprehensive charts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, when referring to a metric teaspoon, the conversion is universally accepted as 1 teaspoon equaling 5 mL, making 2 teaspoons exactly 10 mL. The US teaspoon is a fraction smaller, but the 10 mL figure is the standard for most recipes.

Regular spoons, or cutlery, are not standardized and can vary greatly in size and volume, from as little as 2.5 mL to as much as 10 mL. Using them for recipes or medicine can lead to incorrect dosages and poor results.

The abbreviation 'tsp' is the most common abbreviation for a teaspoon. While less common, 'tsf' may also be used to mean teaspoon. They both represent the same unit of measure in this context.

To convert any number of teaspoons to milliliters, simply multiply the number of teaspoons by 5. For example, 3 teaspoons would be $3 \times 5 = 15$ mL.

No, you should never use a kitchen measuring spoon for medicine dosages. Always use a calibrated measuring device, such as an oral syringe or dosing cup, provided by a pharmacist to ensure accuracy and safety.

Yes, measuring on a flat, level surface is crucial for accuracy, especially with liquid measurements. This prevents the liquid from tilting and giving a false reading.

For the most consistent results, use standardized measuring spoons and take the reading at eye level with the bottom of the meniscus (the curve of the liquid) on a flat surface.