Standard Clove Size
A typical garlic clove is the individual segment you separate from the bulb of garlic. The size of a garlic clove can vary, but it’s generally around 1 teaspoon of minced garlic for a large clove, and closer to 1/2 teaspoon for a smaller clove.
Fresh Garlic
When you chop, crush, or mince a fresh garlic clove, you’re usually getting about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of minced garlic from one clove. If you are using a recipe that calls for cloves and you are chopping or mincing fresh garlic, use this as a guideline:
- 1 small clove of garlic: ~ 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 1 large clove of garlic: ~ 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
Pre-Minced Garlic (in Jars)
Pre-minced garlic found in jars is convenient but can be a little milder in flavor than freshly minced garlic. The general conversion for pre-minced garlic is:
- 1 clove of garlic is equal to about 1/2 teaspoon of jarred, minced garlic.
So, if your recipe calls for 1 clove of garlic, you would use 1/2 teaspoon of pre-minced garlic. You can adjust this slightly to taste depending on the brand or how intense you want the garlic flavor.
Garlic Paste or Garlic Powder
- Garlic paste: If you’re using garlic paste (which is garlic that’s been mashed into a smooth consistency), 1 clove of garlic generally equals about 1/2 teaspoon of paste.
- Garlic powder: If you’re substituting garlic powder for minced garlic, 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder is roughly the equivalent of one fresh garlic clove. However, garlic powder has a more concentrated flavor, so it’s important to adjust to taste.
Summary of Measurements:
- 1 fresh small clove of garlic = 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 fresh large clove of garlic = 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 jarred (pre-minced) garlic clove = 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste = 1 clove of garlic
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder = 1 clove of garlic
Always remember that garlic’s flavor strength can vary, so when making substitutions, it’s a good idea to taste as you go.
