How much is 21g in tablespoons?

November 2, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that 1 tablespoon of honey is almost exactly 21g? The simple answer to "how much is 21g in tablespoons?" depends entirely on the ingredient you are measuring, as weight and volume are fundamentally different units that require knowing the ingredient's density for a precise conversion.

Quick Summary

The conversion of 21g to tablespoons varies significantly by ingredient due to differences in density. Common ingredients like honey measure out to 1 tablespoon for 21g, while lighter ingredients like butter and flour will require more. Precision in baking relies on weight, not volume, and this conversion is not a one-size-fits-all formula.

Key Points

Density is the determining factor: The conversion depends on the ingredient's density, not a fixed ratio.
Honey is the exception: 21g of honey is almost exactly 1 tablespoon due to its unique density.
Butter is 1.5 tbsp: 21g of butter is equivalent to about 1.5 tablespoons.
Lighter ingredients take up more volume: Ingredients like ground coffee and flour will require more than one tablespoon to reach 21g.
Use a scale for accuracy: For the most reliable results in cooking and baking, measure by weight (grams) with a kitchen scale.
Volume is less precise: Scooping technique and ingredient compaction can alter volume measurements, making weight a more consistent standard.

Why Density is Key for Gram-to-Tablespoon Conversions

When asking how much is 21g in tablespoons, you are attempting to convert a unit of mass (grams) to a unit of volume (tablespoons). The relationship between mass and volume is defined by an object's density. Simply put, density is mass per unit of volume. This is why a tablespoon of a dense, heavy substance like honey weighs more than a tablespoon of a lighter, fluffier substance like flour. For this reason, a universal conversion for 21g to tablespoons is not possible. To get the correct measurement, you must first identify the ingredient.

Common Ingredient Conversions for 21g

Let's break down the approximate tablespoon measurements for 21g of several commonly used ingredients. These figures are based on standard US measuring spoons, where one tablespoon is approximately 14.8 mL.

Honey: As noted, 21 grams of honey is almost exactly 1 tablespoon. Its high density is why this conversion is so straightforward.
Butter: For butter, 21 grams is equivalent to approximately 1.5 tablespoons. This is a handy measurement to know for many baking recipes.
Ground Coffee: Lanna Coffee Co. suggests that 21 grams of coffee for a pour-over is roughly 3-4 tablespoons. The range is due to the grind's consistency, which affects volume.
Flour (All-Purpose): Given that 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour is about 9 grams, 21 grams would be a little over 2 tablespoons (around 2.3 tbsp).
Water: Since 1 tablespoon of water is approximately 15 grams, 21 grams of water equates to about 1.4 tablespoons.

Comparison Table: 21g in Tablespoons

For quick reference, here is a comparison of how 21g translates into tablespoons for different ingredients.


Ingredient	21g (grams)	Tablespoons (approx.)	Reason for Variation
Honey	21g	1 tbsp	Very high density
Butter	21g	1.5 tbsp	Higher density than flour, but less than honey
Ground Coffee	21g	3–4 tbsp	Low density due to air pockets
All-Purpose Flour	21g	~2.3 tbsp	Low density, especially when sifted
Water	21g	~1.4 tbsp	Base density for metric system, 1g/mL

The Difference Between Volume and Weight Measurement

While home cooks often rely on volume measurements (cups, tablespoons), professional bakers and chefs prefer weight measurements (grams). This is because volume measurements are not always precise. For example, the amount of flour in a cup can vary greatly depending on whether it's scooped or spooned into the cup. A cup of sifted flour weighs less than a cup of unsifted flour. Weight, on the other hand, is an absolute measure of mass that is not affected by these factors, leading to more consistent and reliable results. This is particularly important for delicate baking recipes where accuracy is paramount.

How to Measure Accurately

For those who do not have a kitchen scale, a little approximation is sometimes necessary. However, for best results, investing in an affordable digital kitchen scale is highly recommended, especially for baking. For conversions like 21g in tablespoons, understanding the density differences is crucial for any recipe outcome. When a recipe calls for a weight measurement, such as grams, it is always safest to follow that instruction precisely with a scale. If you must use volume, use conversion charts specific to your ingredient and measuring system (US vs. metric tablespoons can differ).

Conclusion

To accurately answer how much is 21g in tablespoons, you must first know the ingredient. For honey, it is 1 tablespoon. For butter, it's about 1.5 tablespoons. The core takeaway is that a fixed conversion between grams and tablespoons is impossible due to the varying densities of different substances. Always use a kitchen scale for the most accurate and consistent results, especially when baking, but use a specific conversion chart for your ingredient if a scale isn't an option. Understanding the science behind these measurements will make you a more precise and confident cook. An excellent resource for more precise conversions is the Omni Calculator, which includes specific drop-down menus for common ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

You cannot use a standard conversion because grams are a unit of weight (mass) and tablespoons are a unit of volume. The conversion between them depends entirely on the ingredient's density. A light, fluffy ingredient like flour will occupy more volume for the same weight than a dense ingredient like honey.

21 grams of butter is equivalent to approximately 1.5 US tablespoons.

For honey, 21g is equivalent to exactly 1 US tablespoon.

No, 21 grams is only the same as 21 ml if the substance has a density of 1 gram per milliliter, like water. For other ingredients, the conversion will differ.

21 grams of ground coffee is approximately 3 to 4 tablespoons, depending on the grind size. Ground coffee has a lower density due to the air trapped within it.

Bakers and chefs often prefer grams because it is a more precise and consistent measurement. Volume measurements like tablespoons can vary based on how an ingredient is packed or scooped, leading to unreliable results.

The metric tablespoon is standardized at 15mL, but the conversion to grams is still ingredient-dependent. While it eliminates variation in the spoon's volume, you still need to account for density. Many conversion tools use the metric system as their base.