Shortening
US Tablespoon to Gram
US Cup (236ml)
205.8g
Metric Cup (250ml)
217.5g
A US cup (236.59ml) of shortening weighs 206g, while a metric cup (250ml) weighs 218g. That's a 5.7% difference - make sure you know which cup size your recipe uses!
Shortening — Quick Reference
Common us tablespoon to gram conversions
| US Tablespoon | Gram |
|---|---|
| ½ tbsp | 6g |
| 1 tbsp | 13g |
| 2 tbsp | 26g |
| 3 tbsp | 39g |
| 4 tbsp | 51g |
| 5 tbsp | 64g |
| 6 tbsp | 77g |
Based on shortening density of 0.87 g/ml (packed method). Source: USDA FoodData Central.
Understanding Shortening Conversions
The Math Behind This Conversion
To convert 1 us tablespoon of shortening to gram, we use the density of shortening (0.87 g/ml). A us tablespoon contains 14.79ml, so 1 us tablespoon equals 14.79ml. Multiplying by the density: 14.79ml × 0.87 g/ml = 12.9g.
US vs Metric Cups: Why It Matters
When converting shortening, the cup size matters significantly. A US cup (236.6ml) of shortening weighs 206g, while a metric cup (250ml) weighs 218g—a difference of 12g (6%). If you're following a recipe from a different country, using the wrong cup size could affect your results. American recipes use US cups, while recipes from Australia, UK, and most other countries use metric cups.
Measurement Tip
When measuring shortening, use a liquid measuring cup and ensure the fat is at room temperature for the most accurate reading. Cold fats may not pour smoothly and can stick to dry measuring cups.
About Our Data
The density value of 0.87 g/ml for shortening is from the USDA FoodData Central database (ID: 171414). This measurement was taken with shortening firmly packed into the measuring cup.