Convert Tablespoon (UK) (tbsp (UK)) to Dessertspoon (UK) (dessertspoon (UK)) instantly.
About these units
Tablespoon (UK) (tbsp (UK))
The UK tablespoon traditionally equals 15 mL, though older definitions ranged from 17.7 to 25 mL depending on period and context. In modern British cooking, the tablespoon is standardized at 15 mL, aligning it with the metric tablespoon used in many countries. This measure remains essential in culinary arts for oils, spices, flavorings, and liquid ingredients, demonstrating how some units survive because of convenience and cultural familiarity, even in highly metricized societies.
Dessertspoon (UK) (dessertspoon (UK))
A UK dessertspoon traditionally holds 10 milliliters, exactly double a teaspoon and two-thirds of a tablespoon. It served as an intermediate measure in older British recipes, frequently used before strict metrication took hold. Historically, its capacity varied between 8–12 mL, reflecting differences in cutlery styles and household practices. Many Victorian and Edwardian cookbooks reference dessertspoons extensively, making familiarity with the unit essential for culinary historians. Although largely obsolete in modern British cooking, the dessertspoon survives in heritage recipes, some baking traditions, and specialized kitchen contexts where small-to-medium quantities of liquid or spice must be measured.