How Much Is 3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil in Ounces?
3 tablespoons of olive oil equals 1.43 oz. Olive oil has a density of 216g per cup (13.5g per tablespoon), which means it's relatively light compared to other common cooking ingredients. For comparison, 3 tablespoons of honey would be 2.25 oz.
Formula and Step-by-Step
- Start with 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil = 13.5g
- 3 × 13.5 = 40.5g
- Convert grams to ounces: 40.5 ÷ 28.3495 = 1.43 oz
The same formula works for any amount. Multiply (or divide) by the density, then convert units as needed.
Measuring Tip
Oils are lighter than water, so the same volume weighs less. Pour slowly into the measuring spoon for accuracy, and wipe any drips from the outside before reading.
Olive Oil at Different Amounts
How olive oil scales across common tablespoons measurements. Your amount (3 tablespoons) is highlighted.
For reference, 3 tablespoons of olive oil (40.5g) is close in weight to a golf ball (46g).
Other Amounts of Olive Oil
| Tablespoons | US Ounces | Metric Tablespoon | Australian Tablespoon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | 0.48 oz | 0.48 oz | 0.64 oz |
| 2 tablespoons | 0.95 oz | 0.97 oz | 1.29 oz |
| 3 tablespoons | 1.43 oz | 1.45 oz | 1.93 oz |
| 4 tablespoons | 1.90 oz | 1.93 oz | 2.58 oz |
| 5 tablespoons | 2.38 oz | 2.42 oz | 3.22 oz |
| 6 tablespoons | 2.86 oz | 2.90 oz | 3.86 oz |
| 8 tablespoons | 3.81 oz | 3.86 oz | 5.15 oz |
| 10 tablespoons | 4.76 oz | 4.83 oz | 6.44 oz |
| 12 tablespoons | 5.71 oz | 5.80 oz | 7.73 oz |
| 16 tablespoons | 7.62 oz | 7.73 oz | 10.31 oz |
Understanding the Units
What is a Tablespoon?
Tablespoon sizes differ by country. A US tablespoon is 14.787 ml, close to the 15 ml metric standard used in most countries. An Australian tablespoon is 20 ml, about 35% larger than US. An imperial tablespoon is 17.758 ml. If your recipe comes from Australia, the larger tablespoon size can make a real difference.
What is an Ounce?
Ounces are commonly used in US recipes for cheese, meat, chocolate, and other ingredients sold by weight. Many kitchen scales offer both gram and ounce readings.