Always having to ask yourself how many tablespoons are in 1/3 cup? We have the answer, and more! Bookmark this page for the easiest way to downsize your favorite recipe.
How to Cut Down Recipes
Not every dinner or batch of cookies needs to serve a small army. Learn how to cut down recipes so you can make portion sizes that suit your needs.
How to Divide Measurements at a Glance
Use this handy chart when you’re cutting down a recipe. Need more recipes for two? We’ve got ’em!
Download Chart
| Original Amount | Half the Amount | One-Third the Amount |
| 1 cup | 1/2 cup | 1/3 cup |
| 3/4 cup | 6 tbsp | 1/4 cup |
| 2/3 cup | 1/3 cup | 3 tbsp+ 1-1/2 tsp |
| 1/2 cup | 1/4 cup | 2 tbsp + 2 tsp |
| 1/3 cup | 2 tbsp + 2 tsp | 1 tbsp + 1-1/4 tsp |
| 1/4 cup | 2 tbsp | 1 tbsp + 1 tsp |
| 1 tbsp | 1-1/2 tsp | 1 tsp |
| 1 tsp | 1/2 tsp | 1/4 tsp |
| 1/2 tsp | 1/4 tsp | 1/8 tsp |
| 1/4 tsp | 1/8 tsp | Dash |
How to Convert Measurements to Tablespoons and Teaspoons
Here’s a listing of how many tablespoons and teaspoons are in larger measuring cup amounts. By the way, here’s how to measure without measuring cups.
- 1 cup = 16 tablespoons
- Half of 1 cup = 8 tablespoons
- 3/4 cup = 12 tablespoons
- Half of 3/4 cup = 6 tablespoons
- 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons
- Half of 1/2 cup = 4 tablespoons
- 1/3 cup = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon
- Half of 1/3 cup = 2 tablespoons+ 2 teaspoons
- 1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons
- Half of 1/4 cup = 2 tablespoons
- 1/8 cup = 2 tablespoons
- Half of 1/8 cup = 1 tablespoons
- 1/2 tablespoons = 1-1/2 teaspoons
Learn how to weigh baking ingredients like a pro.
How to Cut Down Weighted Ingredients
This is when cooking by weight instead of measure is incredibly handy. Cutting down (or doubling) recipes is as simple as a little division or subtraction.
To cut down any recipe, just divide the weights called for in the original recipe. Want to make a half batch? Divide the measures by two. A third batch? Divide by three. A quarter batch? Well, divide the amounts by four.
How to Halve an Egg
Cutting down recipes can be pretty easy when you’re just dealing with cups and ounces. Things get tricky, though, when the original recipe calls for just one egg. In this case, ask yourself if you really need to half the recipe, because cutting down on an egg can be tricky.
If you really do need to trim down the recipe, crack your egg into a small dish and whisk. Then you can add half of that mix by eye.
If you want to be really exact, bring out your kitchen scale. Start by weighing the bowl, hitting tare, then crack in the egg. Then you can divide that weight in half for precision baking.
No Need to Cut Down These Small Batch Cookies
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter CookiesThese gluten-free peanut butter cookies are chewy, salty and sweet. You wouldn’t believe you only need three ingredients to make them. Â
Chocolate Shortbread CookiesThese chocolate shortbread cookies offer a rich, buttery texture with a hint of cocoa. Easy to make, with simple pantry ingredients, these cookies are ideal for any occasion and pair wonderfully with tea, coffee, even ice cream.
Chocolate Malted CookiesThese cookies are the next best thing to a good old-fashioned malted milk. With malted milk powder, chocolate syrup, and chocolate chips and chunks, these are the best cookies I've ever tasted … and with six kids, I've made a lot of cookies over the years! —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Mug CookieThis mug cookie recipe is an easy way to make single-serve cookies at home. The tender cookie is perfect for those late-night cravings, when you want a little something sweet, right out of the oven.
Chocolate Cherry CookiesWhen you want chocolate and tangy cherries, make these chocolate cherry chunk cookies. A thick cookie base studded with rich chocolate chunks and dried cherries is a satisfying snack or dessert.
Gingerbread Oatmeal CookiesCookie butter and ground ginger add a new layer of flavor. The recipe makes about 2 dozen cookies, and they go fast. You may want to make a double batch. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
First-Place Coconut MacaroonsThese coconut macaroon cookies earned me a first-place ribbon at the county fair. They remain my husband's favorites—whenever I make them to give away, he always asks me where his batch is! I especially like the fact that this recipe makes a small enough batch for the two of us to nibble on. —Penny Ann Habeck, Shawano, Wisconsin
PizookieWhat's better than a chocolate chip cookie? How about a giant chocolate chip pizookie!
Oatmeal Cream Pie RecipeWe love foods that remind us of childhood, like the chewy oatmeal cream pies stashed in our lunch boxes on lucky days.
Brownie CookiesThe next time you long for a chocolaty dessert, bake up a batch of these jumbo-size brownie cookies. They are tender, rich and irresistibly delicious.
Raspberry Almond StripsGet ready to pour yourself a cup of tea, because you won’t be able to resist sampling one of these cookies. Almonds add taste and texture to the simple strips that are dressed up with raspberry pie filling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Joe FroggersLarge, soft and chewy, these cookies are made to munch. This classic recipe has a warm blend of spices that seems stronger the second day. Your family will definitely ask you to make them again!, soft and chewy, these are a great snack. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Banana Chocolate Chip CookiesThese warm, gooey, indulgent banana chocolate chip cookies can be made in just 35 minutes. Bake a batch of three dozen to nosh on all week long.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip CookiesWith this easy recipe for peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, you get two great cookies in one soft, chewy treat.
French Toast CookiesI created these soft, sparkly cookies because my sister loves cinnamon French toast covered in maple syrup. In the case of these cookies, bigger is definitely better! I like to use white whole wheat flour, but any whole wheat flour will work.—Mary Shenk, Dekalb, Illinois
Chocolate Macadamia MacaroonsThis perfect macaroon has dark chocolate, chewy coconut and macadamia nuts, and is dipped in chocolate—sinful and delicious! —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Maple CookiesThese maple cookies are a baker's dream. They're a bit different from the norm but, oh, so easy to love!
Monster CookiesWho can resist gigantic monster cookies chock-full of goodies like chocolate chips, M&M's and peanut butter? If your appetite isn't quite monster-size, make them by heaping tablespoonfuls. This is the world's best monster cookies recipe. —Judy Fredenberg, Missoula, Montana
Giant Spice CookiesI heard this cookie recipe over the radio about 1950—shortly after my husband and I married. The big spicy treats are so nice and chewy, they remain my favorite to this day. —Sandy Pyeatt, Tacoma, Washington
