The weight of one teaspoon (approximately 4.9 milliliters in volume) varies depending on the substance being measured, due to differences in density.
Water
- Weight: 5 grams
- Reason: Water has a density of 1 gram per milliliter (g/mL) at room temperature. Since 1 teaspoon is about 4.9 mL, 1 teaspoon of water weighs 4.9 grams, which is typically rounded to 5 grams.
Granulated Sugar
- Weight: 4.2 grams
- Reason: Granulated sugar has a density of around 0.85 grams per milliliter. Since a teaspoon holds approximately 4.9 mL, the sugar in a teaspoon weighs about 4.2 grams.
Table Salt
- Weight: 5.9 grams
- Reason: Table salt is more compact and denser than sugar or flour, with a density of around 1.2 g/mL. Therefore, a teaspoon of salt weighs 5.9 grams.
Flour (All-purpose)
- Weight: 2.6 grams
- Reason: Flour is light and fluffy, with a lower density than liquids like water or denser solids like salt. Its density is about 0.53 g/mL. A teaspoon of all-purpose flour weighs around 2.6 grams.
Butter (Softened)
- Weight: 4.7 grams
- Reason: Softened butter has a density close to 0.911 g/mL. A teaspoon of softened butter typically weighs about 4.7 grams, though this can vary depending on the butter’s exact consistency.
Honey
- Weight: 7 grams
- Reason: Honey is denser than water, with a density around 1.42 g/mL. Due to its high density, a teaspoon of honey weighs approximately 7 grams.
Baking Powder
- Weight: 4 grams
- Reason: Baking powder has a density of around 0.9 g/mL. As a result, one teaspoon of baking powder weighs about 4 grams.
Cocoa Powder
- Weight: 2.5 grams
- Reason: Cocoa powder is light but dense enough to weigh about 2.5 grams per teaspoon, due to its relatively low density of around 0.51 g/mL.
Cornstarch
- Weight: 2.5 grams
- Reason: Cornstarch is light and has a density of about 0.5 g/mL. Consequently, a teaspoon weighs around 2.5 grams.
Milk Powder
- Weight: 2.3 grams
- Reason: Milk powder is another light ingredient with a density of approximately 0.47 g/mL, so a teaspoon weighs about 2.3 grams.
Other Factors to Consider:
- Density: The density of the substance you’re measuring is a key factor in determining its weight per teaspoon. For example, denser substances (like salt or honey) will weigh more than lighter substances (like flour or cocoa powder) even though both may occupy the same volume of a teaspoon.
- Compaction: If an ingredient is packed down (like brown sugar or flour), it can weigh more. For example, packed brown sugar is often about 6 grams per teaspoon, compared to 4 grams for granulated sugar.
Conclusion:
The weight of a teaspoon can vary quite a bit depending on the substance, as density plays a significant role in how much mass fits into that 4.9 mL volume. The weight can range from 2 grams (for lighter powders) to 7 grams (for denser liquids like honey). Always check specific ingredient weights for precision when baking or cooking.
