This is where it gets silly. If you have a half stick (common in some brands), 2/3 of a full stick is more than a half stick. You’d need 1 full half-stick plus a bit more from a second half-stick. It’s like butter Tetris.
Alternatively, use a full stick and remove 1/3 of it. To remove 1/3, cut off about 2.6 tablespoons from one end. Then use the rest. You’ll have a tiny leftover piece for buttering toast. Win-win.
Remember: Any leftover butter can be frozen. I have a bag of butter nubbins in my freezer that looks like a crime scene. It’s fine. They’re for soups.
The Final, Honest Truth
The number of people who have cried over butter measurements is higher than you think. I’ve been one of them. But now you know: 2/3 of a stick is 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon. Or 2.6 inches. Or 76 grams. Pick your weapon.
Baking is just chemistry with a tastier payoff. Get the butter right, and everything else falls into place. Or, you know, just use a scale and never have to ask this question again.
Now go make something delicious. And if you mess up? Blame the recipe. That’s what I do.
