How many tablespoons are in 1 oz of feta?

November 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to standard nutritional information, 1 oz of crumbled feta cheese is equivalent to 2 tablespoons. However, since ounces measure weight and tablespoons measure volume, this conversion can be affected by the size and consistency of the cheese crumbles.

Quick Summary

The standard conversion for crumbled feta is 2 tablespoons per ounce, but density variations between crumbled and block forms can affect accuracy. Precision measuring is recommended.

Key Points

2 Tbsp is the Standard: One ounce of crumbled feta cheese is commonly measured as 2 tablespoons.
Weight vs. Volume: Ounces measure weight, while tablespoons measure volume, which is why the conversion is an approximation, not exact.
Crumble Density Matters: The size of the cheese crumbles and how densely they are packed will affect the final weight of the measurement.
Use a Scale for Accuracy: A digital kitchen scale is the most accurate tool for measuring 1 ounce of feta, especially for baking.
Block Feta is Inconsistent: Measuring solid block feta by tablespoon is more prone to error than measuring pre-crumbled feta due to density differences.
Feta is a Crumbly Cheese: As a soft, crumbly cheese, feta's volume-to-weight ratio is different from semi-hard or hard cheeses.

Understanding the Ounce vs. Tablespoon Dilemma

The fundamental issue when converting a solid ingredient like feta cheese from ounces (a measure of weight) to tablespoons (a measure of volume) is that the density of the ingredient isn't constant. Crumbled feta, for instance, has more air pockets than a solid, compressed block. This means that while a recipe might call for a certain weight, measuring by volume with a tablespoon will only be an approximation unless the cheese is in a specific, consistent form.

The Standard Conversion for Crumbled Feta

For commercially pre-crumbled feta, the common conversion is relatively straightforward and is often listed on nutritional labels. Multiple sources confirm that 1 ounce of pre-crumbled feta is generally considered to be 2 tablespoons. This is because the cheese is prepared to a uniform consistency, making the volume-to-weight ratio more predictable. If your recipe calls for crumbled feta, this is a reliable guideline to follow for quick, general-purpose cooking.

Factors Affecting Feta Measurement

Several factors can influence how many tablespoons are actually in 1 ounce of feta. For the most accurate results, especially in baking or when a recipe calls for a precise amount, a digital kitchen scale is always the best tool. Here’s a breakdown of what can change the volume-to-weight conversion:

Crumble size: Larger, more chunky crumbles will leave more air in the measuring spoon, leading to a lighter weight for the same volume compared to smaller, denser crumbles.
Compaction: Tightly packing the cheese into the tablespoon will result in a heavier, more dense measurement. The standard for dry goods is to lightly fill the spoon, which is best for feta as well.
Moisture content: Feta cheese is packed in brine, and its moisture content can vary. A drier block of feta will be denser than a fresher, moister one, which affects its weight per volume.
Freshly crumbled vs. pre-crumbled: If you're crumbling feta from a block yourself, the conversion will be less consistent than using pre-packaged crumbles. The size and shape of your crumbles will be less uniform.

A Quick Guide to Measuring Feta

For most home cooks, a perfect measurement isn't always necessary. The following guide offers practical advice for getting the right amount of feta, depending on your tools and precision needs.

How to Measure Accurately with a Scale

For the most reliable results, follow these steps:

Place a small bowl or piece of parchment paper on your digital scale.
Tare or zero out the scale to account for the container's weight.
Crumble the feta cheese directly onto the scale until it reaches 1 ounce (or the desired weight).
Add this measured amount to your recipe.

How to Measure by Volume (Tablespoons)

If a scale is unavailable, you can use the tablespoon method with the following tips:

Use a standard measuring tablespoon, not a serving spoon.
For crumbled feta, scoop lightly and level off the top to ensure a consistent measurement.
Remember that 2 tablespoons is a good starting point for 1 ounce of crumbled feta. Adjust slightly if the feta seems unusually dense or airy.

Comparison Table: Feta and Other Cheeses


Cheese Type	1 Cup (Weight in oz)	1 oz (Volume in tbsp)	Notes
Crumbled Feta	~6 oz	~2 tbsp	Standard conversion assumes light packing
Block Feta	~6 oz	Varies	Less consistent due to density; a scale is better
Semi-Hard (e.g., Cheddar)	~4 oz	~2 tbsp	Typically assumes shredded cheese
Hard (e.g., Parmesan)	~3 oz (grated)	Varies	Extremely dense, volume conversion is unreliable
Cream Cheese	~8 oz	~2 tbsp	Dense, reliable volume-to-weight conversion

Conclusion

While the simple answer to how many tablespoons are in 1 oz of feta is 2, it's essential to recognize that this is a volume-based approximation for a weight-based measurement. For crumbled feta, this conversion is generally reliable for most recipes. However, for maximum accuracy, especially when using solid blocks of feta or for precise baking, using a digital kitchen scale is the superior method. Understanding the difference between measuring by weight and volume will lead to more consistent and delicious cooking results.

For more conversion resources, you can consult the Florida Department of Agriculture's Cooking Conversion Guide.

Lists for Visual Learners

Reasons to Use a Scale for Feta

Superior accuracy for precise recipes.
Removes ambiguity caused by crumble size.
Essential for dietary tracking and calorie counting.
Ensures consistent results when cooking or baking.

Tips for Measuring Feta without a Scale

Use the 2 tbsp per 1 oz rule for pre-crumbled feta.
Lightly fill the tablespoon to avoid over-packing.
When crumbling a block, try to create consistent-sized crumbles.
Remember the conversion is an estimate, so a slight variation is acceptable.
If in doubt, use a little less than the recipe calls for and add more to taste.

Common Recipes Using Measured Feta

Greek Salads
Spinach and Feta Pie (Spanakopita)
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Baked Feta with Tomatoes
Feta and Watermelon Salad

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while 2 tablespoons is the standard approximation for 1 oz of crumbled feta, it is not always exact. The difference lies in the fact that ounces measure weight and tablespoons measure volume. The size and density of the crumbles will affect the final measurement.

Yes. Crumbling your own block of feta will lead to a less consistent volume measurement than using pre-crumbled feta, which is more uniformly packaged. Measuring block feta by volume is less reliable due to the varying density.

The most accurate way to measure 1 oz of feta is to use a digital kitchen scale. This removes all ambiguity associated with volume measurements and accounts for the cheese's exact weight, regardless of its form.

Using a regular table spoon is not recommended for cooking measurements, as its size is not standardized. Always use a proper measuring tablespoon to ensure the best possible approximation for your recipes.

One ounce is equivalent to approximately 28 grams. So, 1 oz of feta cheese weighs about 28 grams, and 2 tablespoons of crumbled feta would also be about 28 grams.

Yes, it can. Feta made from sheep's milk can have a higher fat content than cow's milk feta, which slightly alters the density. This means the calorie count and weight per volume may be marginally different depending on the specific product.

For other soft or crumbly cheeses like blue cheese, the same principle applies. 1 cup is generally about 6 ounces, so 1 ounce is approximately 2 tablespoons, assuming a similar crumbly consistency to feta.