How Many Tablespoons of Juice in a Lemon? Your Ultimate Guide

by

If you’re cooking or mixing drinks and a recipe calls for lemon juice, you might wonder how much juice you’ll get from each lemon. The amount of juice in a lemon varies depending on its size, but here’s a general guide to help you estimate.

Lemon Size and Juice Volume

  • Small Lemon (3 ounces): Approximately 2-3 tablespoons.
  • Medium Lemon (4-5 ounces): Approximately 3-4 tablespoons.
  • Large Lemon (6 ounces): Approximately 5 tablespoons.

As a general rule, you can expect to get at least 2 tablespoons of juice from any lemon. An average-sized lemon usually contains about 3 tablespoons of juice. To get a cup of fresh lemon juice, you’ll need around 5 1/4 lemons. Since lemon sizes can vary, it’s safe to have about 5 1/2 lemons on hand to ensure you get a full cup.

Lemon Juice Conversions

  • 1/3 Lemon = 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 Lemon = 3 Tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 1/4 Lemons = 1/4 Cup Lemon Juice
  • 2 1/2 Lemons = 1/2 Cup Lemon Juice
  • 4 Lemons = 3/4 Cup Lemon Juice
  • 5 1/4 Lemons = 1 Cup Lemon Juice

These conversions are approximate and can change based on the lemon’s size and ripeness.

Tips for Maximizing Lemon Juice

Here are some proven methods to get the most juice out of your lemons:

  1. Apply Pressure: Before cutting, roll the lemon on the countertop to soften it and release the juices.
  2. Microwave Briefly: Microwave the lemon for about 10 seconds before squeezing. Alternatively, soak the lemon in warm water for a few minutes.
  3. Cut Properly: Cut the lemon in half lengthwise (“hot dog style”) for easier squeezing.
  4. Use a Juicer: Use a citrus reamer or squeezer to extract more juice than squeezing by hand. You can also press a fork into the lemon’s flesh to help release the juice.

Don’t Forget the Zest

Lemon zest can add a bright flavor to your recipes. Zest the lemon before juicing, as it’s easier to zest a whole lemon. To zest, wash and dry the lemon, then use a citrus zester or Microplane grater to remove the outer yellow peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. One lemon will give you about 1 tablespoon of zest.

Measuring Lemon Juice Accurately

For precise recipes, measure lemon juice in milliliters. Here are some handy conversions:

  • Small lemon (115g): 3 tablespoons or 45ml
  • Medium lemon (150g): 4 tablespoons or 60ml
  • Large lemon (170g): 5 tablespoons or 75ml

Keep in mind that tablespoon measurements can vary: 15ml in the USA, 17.5ml in the UK, and 20ml in Australia.

Lemon Juice Substitutions

If you don’t have lemons, you can use these substitutes:

  • Lime Juice: Substitute with equal amounts of lime juice.
  • White Vinegar: For 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, use 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar.
  • White Wine: For 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, use 1 teaspoon of white wine.

Use lime juice for uncooked dishes or drinks, and vinegar or wine for cooked recipes. Lemon juice is sometimes used to prevent fruits from browning, so keep that in mind when substituting.

Recipes That Use Lemon Juice

  • Pasta Primavera with Lemon Garlic Butter
  • Easy Lemon Chicken Piccata
  • Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon in Foil
  • Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
  • Healthy Lemon Zucchini Bread
  • Lemon Bread (Starbucks Copycat)
  • Easy Lemon Blueberry Cookies
  • Blueberry Lemon Chia Seed Pudding
  • Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
  • Lemon Tahini Salad Dressing