How to Cut Down Recipes

Need to downsize a favorite recipe? Learn how to decrease servings using these easy tips.

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

tbsp = tablespoon
tsp = teaspoon

Measurement Amounts

Here's a listing of how many tablespoons and teaspoons are in larger measuring cup amounts. This may make it easier for you to downsize your recipes by one-half or one-third.

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 tablespoon

1/2 tablespoon = 1-1/2 teaspoons