How Many Tablespoons in a Stick of Butter
1 stick of butter = 8 tablespoons (½ cup) - Complete conversion guide
⚡Quick Answer
1 stick of butter = 8 tablespoons = ½ cup = 4 oz = 113g. Half stick = 4 tbsp. 2 sticks = 1 cup (16 tbsp). Use wrapper markings or weigh 113g per stick.
Step-by-Step Guide
Quick Answer
1 stick of butter = 8 tablespoons (also equals ½ cup or 4 oz/113g). This is the US standard butter stick size.
Common Butter Conversions
½ stick = 4 tbsp (¼ cup) | 1 stick = 8 tbsp (½ cup) | 2 sticks = 16 tbsp (1 cup) | 4 sticks = 32 tbsp (1 pound)
How to Measure Without Wrapper
By tablespoon: 1 tbsp = 14g. Use a tablespoon measure and level off. By weight: 1 stick = 113g (4 oz). A kitchen scale is most accurate.
European vs US Butter
US stick = 113g (8 tbsp) | European butter blocks = typically 250g (8.8 oz) | UK block = 250g = about 2.2 US sticks
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tablespoons is half a stick of butter?
Half a stick of butter = 4 tablespoons (¼ cup or 2 oz). This is a common measurement for cookies and smaller recipes.
Is a stick of butter the same as a cup?
No. 1 stick of butter = ½ cup. You need 2 sticks to make 1 cup (16 tablespoons).
How do I measure butter if I only have European-style blocks?
Weigh 113g for 1 stick (8 tbsp). Most European blocks are 250g, which equals about 2.2 US sticks or 17.6 tablespoons.
Can I substitute margarine for butter in the same measurements?
Yes, margarine sticks use the same measurements (8 tbsp per stick). However, results may vary slightly in baked goods due to different water and fat content.
Why do recipes sometimes call for tablespoons instead of sticks?
Tablespoons allow for more precise measurements (like 5 tbsp) and are universal—not all countries use stick measurements. Professional bakers prefer weights (grams) for accuracy.