A level teaspoon of chili powder weighs about 2.7 g, according to USDA FoodData Central. A tablespoon comes to about 8.1 g, so that's your starting number for the grams in a teaspoon of chili powder in a pot of chili or a batch of taco seasoning.
| Amount | Grams |
|---|---|
| 1/4 tsp | 0.7 g |
| 1/2 tsp | 1.4 g |
| 1 tsp | 2.7 g |
| 1 tbsp | 8.1 g |
| 1/4 cup | 32.4 g |
| 1/2 cup | 65 g |
| 1 cup | 130 g |
Chili powder vs chile powder
That one letter matters. In most US grocery stores, chili powder is a blend: ground dried chiles mixed with other spices such as cumin, garlic and oregano. Chile powder, like ancho or chipotle powder, is usually just one kind of pepper, ground on its own.
The USDA figure is for the blend. Since every brand uses its own mix of chiles and spices, and grinds them its own way, one brand's teaspoon won't always weigh the same as another's. A single chile powder can differ too. If you swap between them a lot, weigh a level teaspoon of each jar once and keep a note.
Why grams in a teaspoon of chili powder vary
- The blend. Different ratios of chiles, salt and other spices change the weight per spoon.
- Packing. Pressing the spoon into a full jar packs in extra powder.
- Clumping. Blends can pick up moisture and form lumps, which makes scoops uneven.
- Level vs heaped. A heaped tablespoon can hold far more than a level one. Recipes mean level.
Chili powder by weight in real recipes
Chili powder often goes in by the tablespoon or even the 1/4 cup, so small errors add up quickly. Here's what common amounts weigh:
- A big pot of chili with 1/4 cup chili powder: about 32.4 g.
- Homemade taco seasoning with 1 tbsp: about 8.1 g.
- A double batch of taco seasoning with 2 tbsp: about 16.2 g.
- Chili lime corn with 1/2 tsp: about 1.4 g.
Heat levels vary a lot from brand to brand, so the gram count only gets you so far. Weigh the amount the recipe calls for, taste, and adjust. Then write down what worked so you can repeat it.
Chili powder mistakes to avoid
- Swapping chile powder for chili powder spoon for spoon. A single chile powder can be much hotter than a blend.
- Forgetting about salt. Some blends include salt, so check the label before you salt the pot again.
- Not stirring the jar. A blend's ingredients can settle unevenly over time.
- Heaping the tablespoon. When a recipe calls for several tablespoons, the extra adds up quickly.
How to measure chili powder
- Stir the jar so the blend is evenly mixed.
- Zero your scale with the bowl or pot on it.
- Spoon the powder in loosely and level it if you're using volume.
- Aim for about 2.7 g per level teaspoon or 8.1 g per tablespoon.
When you're mixing a taco blend, weighing each spice into one bowl is quicker than juggling a full set of spoons. A MeasureMate digital measuring spoon scoops and weighs in one step, reads in 0.1 g steps, and the tare button zeroes the reading so you can move straight to the next spice. It also switches between grams and ounces if your recipe uses either.
Quick questions
How many grams is a tablespoon of chili powder?
About 8.1 g, which is three level teaspoons at 2.7 g each.
How many teaspoons is 10 g of chili powder?
About 3 2/3 tsp. At 2.7 g per teaspoon, 10 g works out to about 3.7 tsp.
Is chili powder the same as cayenne?
No. Cayenne is a single ground pepper and much hotter, while chili powder is a milder blend with other spices.
Weights based on USDA FoodData Central.