Dried Equivalent
1.00 tsp
Spice
Basil
Ratio
3:1 (fresh:dry)
Dried basil is more muted and slightly sweet. Fresh basil has bright, peppery flavor.
| Herb/Spice | Fresh | Dried | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | 1 tbsp | 1 tsp | 3:1 |
| Cilantro | 1 tbsp | 1.5 tsp | 2:1 |
| Rosemary | 1 tbsp | 1 tsp | 3:1 |
| Ginger | 1 tbsp | 1/4 tsp | 12:1 |
| Garlic | 1 clove | 1/8 tsp | 8:1 |
| Thyme | 1 tbsp | 1 tsp | 3:1 |
| Oregano | 1 tbsp | 1 tsp | 3:1 |
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Price as of Jul 24, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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Result
Using the standard 3:1 ratio, 1 tablespoon of fresh basil converts to 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
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Result
Ginger has the highest conversion ratio at 12:1. One tablespoon of fresh ginger equals just 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
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Converting 2 teaspoons of dried oregano back to fresh requires 6 teaspoons (2 tablespoons) using the 3:1 ratio.
The standard conversion for basil is 3:1 fresh to dried. So 1 tablespoon of fresh basil equals 1 teaspoon of dried basil. This ratio applies to most leafy herbs like parsley, oregano, thyme, and sage.
| Herb | Fresh Amount | Dried Equivalent | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | 1 tbsp | 1 tsp | 3:1 |
| Oregano | 1 tbsp | 1 tsp | 3:1 |
| Cilantro | 1 tbsp | 1.5 tsp | 2:1 |
| Ginger | 1 tbsp | 1/4 tsp | 12:1 |
Dried cilantro is a poor substitute for fresh because it loses most of its characteristic bright, citrusy flavor during drying. If you must substitute, use a 2:1 ratio (1 tablespoon fresh = 1.5 teaspoons dried), but consider using fresh parsley with a squeeze of lime instead.
Fresh ginger to ground ginger has a much higher ratio than most herbs: 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger equals roughly 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger (a 12:1 ratio). Ground ginger is extremely concentrated and has a slightly different flavor profile.
| Fresh Ginger | Ground Ginger | Best Used In |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tsp grated | 1/12 tsp ground | Small sauces |
| 1 tbsp grated | 1/4 tsp ground | Stir-fries, marinades |
| 2 tbsp grated | 1/2 tsp ground | Soups, curries |
Most dried leafy herbs stay potent for 1 to 3 years when stored properly in airtight containers away from heat and light. Ground spices like ginger and garlic powder lose potency faster, typically 6 months to 2 years.
The general rule is 3:1 — use one-third the amount of dried herb when substituting for fresh. So if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs, use 1 teaspoon of dried. This works for most leafy herbs but exceptions like ginger (12:1) and garlic (8:1) have much higher ratios.
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Last Updated: Jul 24, 2026
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