How Many Tablespoons in a Stick of Butter?
How Many TBSP in a Stick of Butter?
Hey there, butter lover!
If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen mid-recipe, holding a stick of butter and wondering how many tablespoons are in it — you’re definitely not alone. Whether you’re whipping up cookies, sautéing veggies, or diving into a new baking adventure, understanding butter measurements can save you time and prevent any “oops!” moments.
So let’s break it all down — simply and clearly — so you’ll never be second-guessing your butter again.
First Things First: The Quick Answer
There are 8 tablespoons in one stick of butter.
Yep, just 8! Easy, right? But there’s a little more to it, depending on what country you’re in and what kind of packaging your butter comes in — so let’s dig in.
Butter Basics: U.S. vs. International
In the U.S., butter is usually sold in sticks. But that’s not always the case elsewhere, like in Europe or Canada. Here’s how it breaks down:
| Region | Typical Butter Packaging | Weight per Stick (or Block) | Tablespoons per Stick/Block |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1 stick (½ cup) | 113 grams / 4 oz | 8 tbsp |
| Canada | 1 block | 454 grams (1 lb) | ~32 tbsp (entire block) |
| UK/Europe | 1 block | 250 grams | ~17.5 tbsp |
Conversion Chart: Sticks, Cups, Tablespoons, Grams
| Butter Amount | Sticks | Tablespoons | Cups | Grams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 stick | 1 | 8 tbsp | ½ cup | 113g |
| ½ stick | 0.5 | 4 tbsp | ¼ cup | 57g |
| 2 sticks (1 cup) | 2 | 16 tbsp | 1 cup | 226g |
| 1 tablespoon | ⅛ | 1 tbsp | 1/16 cup | 14g |
| ¾ cup | 1.5 | 12 tbsp | ¾ cup | 170g |
When Recipes Use Cups or Grams Instead
If you’ve ever found a recipe online that measures butter in cups or grams (looking at you, British baking blogs), don’t worry — here’s a quick guide:
Butter Conversion Chart (U.S.)
| Cups of Butter | Sticks | Tablespoons |
|---|---|---|
| ¼ cup | 0.5 stick | 4 tbsp |
| ⅓ cup | ~0.67 stick | 5 tbsp + 1 tsp |
| ½ cup | 1 stick | 8 tbsp |
| ⅔ cup | ~1.33 stick | 10 tbsp + 2 tsp |
| ¾ cup | 1.5 sticks | 12 tbsp |
| 1 cup | 2 sticks | 16 tbsp |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, in most recipes you can use margarine 1:1 for butter. But keep in mind the flavor and texture might be a little different, especially in baking.
What if my butter isn’t in sticks?
No problem! Just use a kitchen scale to measure 113 grams for every stick, or refer to the chart above to convert to tablespoons or cups.
How do I measure butter without the wrapper?
If your butter came in a tub, or you already tossed the wrapper (oops), just scoop it into a measuring spoon or cup. Press it down to avoid air pockets. Or use a scale — 1 tablespoon = 14 grams.
Is it okay to eyeball butter measurements?
Honestly? For cooking — sure. For baking — not so much. Baking is a science, and getting your butter measurement right can make the difference between fluffy cookies and flat pancakes. So if you can, use a proper measurement.
A Fun Tip: Freeze Butter in Tablespoons
Want to make life easier? Freeze butter in tablespoon portions using an ice cube tray. Then just pop one out when you need a tablespoon for your pan, toast, or recipe. No more cutting off chunks or guessing!
