Two Tablespoons of Chia Seeds in Grams
2 tablespoons of chia seeds weighs 20g (0.71 oz, 30ml) according to USDA FoodData Central (1 cup chia seeds = 160g, spooned and leveled method). 2 tablespoons = 1/8 of a full cup (240ml), or 30ml. See the full conversion table below for all amounts from 1 tablespoon to 3 cups.
Chia Seeds Cup-to-Gram Conversion Table
Full range from 1 tablespoon to 3 cups. The highlighted row shows 2 tablespoons.
| Amount | Grams |
|---|---|
| 1 tbsp | 10g |
| 2 tbspthis page | 20g |
| 1/8 cupthis page | 20g |
| 1/4 cup | 40g |
| 1/3 cup | 53.33g |
| 1/2 cup | 80g |
| 2/3 cup | 106.67g |
| 3/4 cup | 120g |
| 1 cup | 160g |
| 1 1/4 cups | 200g |
| 1 1/2 cups | 240g |
| 1 3/4 cups | 280g |
| 2 cups | 320g |
| 2 1/2 cups | 400g |
| 3 cups | 480g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 170554). 1 US cup = 240ml. Values use spooned-and-leveled method.
2 Tablespoons of Different Ingredients — Weight Comparison
2 tablespoons of different ingredients varies widely in weight because each has a different density. This matters when substituting ingredients in recipes.
| Ingredient | 2 Tablespoons (g) |
|---|---|
| Sunflower Seeds (shelled) | 16g |
| Pumpkin Seeds (pepitas) | 16.13g |
| Sesame Seeds | 18g |
| Flaxseed (whole) | 18.63g |
| Chia Seedscurrent | 20g |
| Hemp Seeds (hulled) | 20g |
All values use USDA FoodData Central spooned-and-leveled method. Click any ingredient to see its full conversion table.
Measuring Chia Seeds Accurately
Why weight matters: 2 tablespoons of chia seeds can weigh anywhere from 17g to 24g depending on how you measure it. The USDA standard is 20g (spooned and leveled). Scooping directly from the container can add 10–20% extra weight, which affects recipe results — especially in baking.
About chia seeds density: Chia seeds: 1 cup = 160g. Very small and dense — pack tightly. Absorb up to 12x their weight in water forming a gel. 1 tablespoon chia + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg substitute. Black and white chia seeds are nutritionally identical. USDA FDC 170554.
About 2 Tablespoons as a Measurement
2 tablespoons = 30ml = 1/8 cup. This is the standard serving size for peanut butter, salad dressing, and most nut butters. 2 tablespoons is also the standard amount for a single packet of dry active yeast (about 7g).
Two tablespoons is the standard recipe unit for fats (butter, oil) in small-batch recipes, condiments (mustard, mayo), and sweeteners (maple syrup, honey) for a single serving. It is exactly 30ml or 1 fluid ounce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grams is 2 tablespoons of chia seeds?
2 tablespoons of chia seeds weighs 20 grams (0.71 oz, 30ml). Based on USDA FoodData Central: 1 cup chia seeds = 160g, so 2 tablespoons = 160 × 0.125 = 20g.
Is 2 tablespoons of chia seeds the same weight every time?
The weight can vary slightly depending on measuring technique. Spooned and leveled gives 20g. Scooped (packed) can be 10–20% heavier. Sifted gives a lighter weight. The USDA standard (spooned and leveled) of 20g is the most reliable baseline for recipes.
How do I accurately measure 2 tablespoons of chia seeds?
For accuracy, use a kitchen scale and weigh 20g of chia seeds. If using measuring cups, spoon the chia seeds lightly into a 2 Tablespoons measuring cup and level off the top with a straight edge. Avoid scooping directly from the container, which compacts the ingredient and adds extra weight.
How does 2 tablespoons of chia seeds compare to other ingredients?
2 tablespoons of different ingredients varies significantly: Sunflower Seeds (shelled) = 16g, Pumpkin Seeds (pepitas) = 16.13g, Sesame Seeds = 18g. This is because each ingredient has a different density.