What Does 4 Tablespoons of Butter Mean? A Complete Guide to Conversions

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard American stick of butter is pre-marked with measurements, with 4 tablespoons of butter clearly indicated as a half-stick, making it a simple conversion. This common recipe quantity is easy to manage if you know the right equivalencies, which are essential for cooking and baking accuracy.

Quick Summary

Four tablespoons of butter equals half a standard stick, a quarter cup, or 57 grams. This guide details conversions, alternative measuring techniques, substitutions, and the difference between salted and unsalted butter for successful cooking and baking outcomes.

Key Points

Half a Stick: 4 tablespoons of butter is equivalent to half of a standard American stick of butter.
1/4 Cup: In terms of volume, 4 tablespoons equals 1/4 cup, which is a common baking measurement.
2 Ounces: By weight, 4 tablespoons is equal to 2 ounces, or approximately 57 grams for metric-based recipes.
Use Wrapper Markings: For easy measuring, most butter wrappers have tablespoon lines printed on them for convenient slicing.
Measure Accurately: For best results in baking, use unsalted butter to control the salt content, as brand salt levels vary.
Substitute Effectively: Alternative fats like oil, applesauce, or margarine can be used as butter substitutes, though they may alter the final texture and flavor.

Understanding 4 Tablespoons of Butter

In most American recipes, a standard stick of butter is 1/2 cup, which contains 8 tablespoons. Therefore, when a recipe calls for what does 4 tablespoons of butter mean, the answer is half of one standard stick. This measurement is frequently used for recipes that need a smaller quantity of fat, such as sauces, frostings, or smaller baked goods. The pre-marked wrappers on most US butter brands make this measurement very straightforward.

Volume and Weight Equivalents

Beyond just sticks, it's helpful to know the other volume and weight conversions for 4 tablespoons of butter, as some recipes or scales may use different units.

Cups: 4 tablespoons is equivalent to 1/4 cup.
Ounces (by weight): Since one tablespoon is approximately 1/2 ounce, 4 tablespoons is equal to 2 ounces.
Grams (by weight): For more precise, metric-based recipes, 4 tablespoons of butter is roughly 57 grams.

This basic understanding helps home cooks confidently approach a wide range of recipes, regardless of the measurement system used.

Butter Measurement Conversion Table

For quick reference, here is a detailed table of common butter conversions, focusing on how 4 tablespoons fits into the bigger picture.


Tablespoons	Cups	Sticks (US)	Ounces (by weight)	Grams (approx.)
1 Tbsp	1/16 cup	1/8 stick	0.5 oz	14 g
2 Tbsp	1/8 cup	1/4 stick	1 oz	28 g
4 Tbsp	1/4 cup	1/2 stick	2 oz	57 g
8 Tbsp	1/2 cup	1 stick	4 oz	113 g
12 Tbsp	3/4 cup	1 1/2 sticks	6 oz	170 g
16 Tbsp	1 cup	2 sticks	8 oz	227 g

How to Measure Butter Without a Tablespoon

If you don't have measuring spoons, or are using a block of butter without wrapper markings, there are several simple tricks to get an accurate measurement.

Use the wrapper markings: Many sticks of butter are wrapped in paper with clear lines indicating tablespoon increments. Simply use a knife to slice at the '4 Tbsp' mark.
The water displacement method: Fill a liquid measuring cup (e.g., a 2-cup measure) with 1 cup of water. To measure 1/4 cup of butter (4 tbsp), submerge pieces of butter in the water until the water level rises to the 1 1/4 cup mark. Remove the butter and pat it dry.
Use a kitchen scale: For the most precise measurement, a kitchen scale is the best option, especially for baking. Simply set your bowl on the scale, zero it out, and add butter until you reach the desired weight (57 grams).

Butter Substitutes for Baking

Running out of butter mid-recipe can be frustrating, but several substitutes can work in a pinch.

Oil: Replace 1 cup of butter with 7/8 cup of a neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil. Note that the texture will be less flaky, and the flavor will change.
Applesauce: For a healthier, lower-fat option, use unsweetened applesauce. This works best for quick breads and muffins, replacing half the butter with applesauce to maintain flavor.
Mashed Avocado: A one-to-one replacement, mashed avocado provides a similar richness but can impart a greenish color, making it best for chocolate baked goods.
Margarine: This is a classic one-for-one substitution for butter, but it's important to remember that margarine has a different fat and water content, which can slightly affect the final texture.
Greek Yogurt: Use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt as a substitute in a 1:1 ratio for recipes calling for less than 1 cup of butter. This will result in a denser texture.

Salted vs. Unsalted Butter: A Crucial Distinction

The recipe's choice of salted or unsalted butter makes a significant difference. Most baking recipes call for unsalted butter because it gives the baker full control over the salt content. Different brands of salted butter contain varying amounts of salt, which can lead to unpredictable results in baked goods. For savory applications like sautéing vegetables or spreading on bread, salted butter is generally preferred for its flavor-enhancing properties. An easy rule of thumb: use unsalted for baking, and salted for cooking or finishing dishes. For a more detailed comparison, you can find expert advice on the topic here.

The Importance of Temperature

The desired temperature of the butter in a recipe is just as important as the quantity. For cookies and cakes, using softened butter allows it to cream properly with sugar, incorporating air and creating a light texture. For pie crusts and biscuits, cold butter is cut into the flour to create pockets of steam during baking, resulting in a flaky crust. If a recipe calls for melted butter, such as in brownies or some sauces, it's typically for a chewier texture or to easily combine ingredients.

Conclusion

Navigating baking measurements doesn't have to be intimidating. By understanding that what does 4 tablespoons of butter mean is half a stick, 1/4 cup, or roughly 57 grams, you have the foundational knowledge for many recipes. Coupled with the availability of several easy measurement techniques and the importance of using unsalted butter for baking precision, you are well-equipped to achieve consistent and delicious results in the kitchen. Mastering these simple conversions and understanding the role of butter in your recipes will elevate your cooking and baking skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Four tablespoons of butter is equal to half of a standard US stick of butter, 1/4 cup, 2 ounces by weight, or approximately 57 grams.

Baking recipes often use unsalted butter because the salt content in salted butter varies by brand, and using unsalted allows for precise control over the amount of salt in the final dish.

You can use the markings on the butter wrapper, or use the water displacement method. To use the water displacement method, add butter to a liquid measuring cup filled with 1 cup of water until the level reaches 1 1/4 cups.

Yes, you can substitute oil for butter. A general ratio is to use 7/8 cup of oil for every cup of butter. Be aware that this can change the final texture of baked goods.

The main difference is the salt added to salted butter, which acts as a preservative and flavor enhancer. Unsalted butter is pure churned cream with no added salt.

To measure softened butter, use a rubber spatula to press it into a 1/4 cup dry measuring cup, packing it firmly to remove air bubbles, then level the top with a flat knife.

Unsweetened applesauce or plain Greek yogurt can be used as healthier, low-fat substitutes for butter, particularly in quick breads and muffins.