If you’ve ever wondered how much ground coffee for one cup, you’re not alone. It’s the most fundamental question in brewing, and getting it right makes all the difference. This guide will give you the simple answers and the detailed knowledge to brew a perfect single cup every time, no matter your method.
Let’s start with the basic standard. For most coffee makers and methods, the golden ratio is 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water. That’s about 10-12 grams of coffee for 180 ml of water. This is a great starting point. Your personal taste might lead you to adjust this slightly. If your coffee tastes weak or sour, use more grounds. If it’s too strong or bitter, use a bit less.
How Much Ground Coffee For One Cup
This heading might seem straightforward, but a “cup” isn’t always a cup. In coffee, there are two main definitions: the standard measuring cup (8 fluid ounces) and the “coffee cup” (typically 6 ounces). Most coffee machine markings and brewing guidelines use the 6-ounce size. So, when a recipe says “per cup,” it usually means per 6 ounces of water, not 8. This is crucial for getting your measurements correct from the start.
The Golden Ratio: Your Brewing Foundation
The Specialty Coffee Association recommends a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:18. This means 1 gram of coffee for every 18 grams of water. For a 6-ounce (180 ml) cup, that’s 10 grams of coffee. Using a scale is the most accurate way to follow this. But if you’re using spoons, here’s a simple translation:
- For a 6 oz cup: 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee.
- For an 8 oz mug: 2 to 2.5 tablespoons of ground coffee.
Remember, the type of roast affects volume. Dark roast beans are less dense, so a tablespoon will weigh less than a tablespoon of light roast. This is why weight (grams) is always more precise than volume (spoons).
Measuring by Weight vs. Volume
For consistency, a small digital kitchen scale is your best friend. Volume measuring can be inconsistent due to grind size and how you scoop. A heaping tablespoon is very different from a level one. Weight removes all the guesswork. Once you find your perfect ratio in grams, you can replicate it perfectly every single morning.
How to Measure Without a Scale
Don’t have a scale? You can still make great coffee. Use standard measuring tablespoons, not your eating spoons. Always level off the coffee in the spoon for a consistent measure. A good rule is two level tablespoons per 6-ounce cup. If your coffee tastes off, adjust by half a tablespoon next time.
Adjusting for Your Coffee Maker
Different brewers extract coffee differently, so the ideal amount can shift. Here’s a quick guide for common methods.
Drip Coffee Maker (Automatic)
Most machines are designed for the standard ratio. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons per 6-ounce “cup” as marked on the carafe. If your carafe shows 4 cups (24 oz), use 4 to 8 tablespoons. Always check your machine’s manual for its specific recommendation.
French Press
French press uses a coarser grind and full immersion, needing a slightly higher coffee amount. A good ratio is 1:15. For an 8-ounce (240 ml) serving, use about 16 grams (or roughly 3 tablespoons) of coarse ground coffee.
- Add your coarse grounds to the clean press.
- Pour hot water (just off boil) over them, saturating all grounds.
- Place the lid on and steep for 4 minutes.
- Press the plunger down slowly and steadily.
- Pour and enjoy immediately to avoid over-extraction.
Pour Over (V60, Chemex, Kalita)
Precision is key here. Start with a 1:16 or 1:17 ratio. For a single 12-ounce cup (355 ml), you’d use about 21-22 grams of medium-fine ground coffee. The pour technique also affects strength, so keep your amount consistent as you practice your pouring.
AeroPress
The AeroPress is versatile. A standard recipe uses 15-17 grams of fine to medium-fine coffee topped with water up to the number “4” mark (about 200 ml). This makes a concentrated brew you can drink as is or dilute with more hot water.
Single-Serve Pod Alternatives (Reusable Pods)
Filling a reusable pod? It depends on the pod’s size. Generally, you’ll fit 10-12 grams of fine ground coffee. Tamp it lightly but don’t pack it too tight, or water won’t flow through properly.
The Impact of Grind Size
Grind size is half the battle. The wrong grind can make even the perfect amount of coffee taste bad. A fine grind exposes more surface area, extracting faster. A coarse grind extracts slower. If your coffee is bitter (over-extracted), your grind may be too fine. If it’s sour (under-extracted), it may be too coarse. Adjust your grind before drastically changing your coffee amount.
- Fine: Like table salt. For espresso, AeroPress (some methods).
- Medium: Like sand. For drip machines, pour over, siphon.
- Coarse: Like sea salt. For French press, cold brew.
How Coffee Roast Affects Your Measure
Dark roast beans are larger and less dense after longer roasting. Light roast beans are smaller and denser. Therefore, a tablespoon of dark roast will weigh less than a tablespoon of light roast. If you measure by volume and switch roasts, your coffee strength will change. For weight users, this isn’t a problem—15 grams is always 15 grams.
Making it Stronger or Weaker
“Strength” refers to the concentration of coffee in your cup. To change it, you adjust the ratio.
- For Stronger Coffee: Use more coffee for the same amount of water (e.g., change from 1:17 to 1:15).
- For Weaker Coffee: Use less coffee for the same amount of water (e.g., change from 1:17 to 1:19).
Do not just brew less water with the same amount of grounds—this leads to over-extraction and bitterness. And avoid just adding hot water to brewed coffee if you can; it’s better to adjust the ratio during the brew process for the best flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the right amount, small errors can ruin your cup. Watch out for these.
- Using Old or Stale Coffee: Coffee loses its flavors weeks after roasting. Try to buy fresh and use it within a month.
- Inconsistent Grind Size: Blade grinders create uneven particles, leading to both bitter and sour tastes in the same cup. A burr grinder is a worthy investment.
- Incorrect Water Temperature: Water that’s too hot burns coffee; too cool under-extracts. Aim for 195°F to 205°F (just off the boil).
- Not Cleaning Your Equipment: Oils and mineral buildup from pervious brews will make your fresh coffee taste off. Clean your pot, brewer, and grinder regularly.
Special Case: Cold Brew Concentrate
Cold brew uses a much higher coffee-to-water ratio because it’s a concentrate. A typical ratio is 1:4 or 1:5. For a small batch, you might use 100 grams of coarse ground coffee to 400 grams of cold water. After steeping 12-24 hours, you dilute the concentrate with water or milk to your liking, usually at a 1:1 ratio.
Creating Your Own Coffee Cheat Sheet
It helps to have a quick reference. Write this down and stick it on your kitchen cabinet.
- Standard Cup (6 oz water): 10-12g (1.5-2 Tbsp) coffee.
- Large Mug (10 oz water): 17-19g (2.5-3 Tbsp) coffee.
- French Press (8 oz water): 16g (3 Tbsp coarse) coffee.
- Pour Over (12 oz water): 21g (~3.5 Tbsp) coffee.
- AeroPress (one full brew): 15-17g coffee.
Start with these amounts. Taste your coffee, and adjust up or down by 1-2 grams next time until it’s perfect for you.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
How many scoops of coffee for 1 cup?
If your “scoop” is a standard tablespoon, use 1.5 to 2 level scoops for a 6-ounce cup. If you’re using the scoop that came with your machine, it’s often sized for their definition of a cup—check the manual.
Is 1 tablespoon of coffee enough for one cup?
For a 6-ounce cup, 1 tablespoon is usually not enough for most people’s taste, leading to a weak, under-extracted brew. It’s better to start with 1.5 or 2 tablespoons and adjust from there.
How much coffee do I use for 2 cups?
Simply double the single-cup amount. For 12 ounces of water, use 20-24 grams (or about 3 to 4 tablespoons) of ground coffee. Always base it on water volume, not the number of mugs.
Does the type of coffee bean change the amount I should use?
The species (Arabica vs. Robusta) doesn’t directly change the amount, but the roast level does, as explained. Your personal preference for a specific bean’s flavor is the main driver—you might prefer a slightly higher dose for a delicate bean to highlight its notes.
Why does my coffee sometimes taste bitter even with the right amount?
Bitterness is usually a sign of over-extraction. This can be caused by your grind being too fine, your water being too hot, or your brew time being too long. Try making your grind a bit coarser first before changing your coffee amount.
Can I use the same amount for decaf?
Yes, you can. Use the same weight-to-water ratio you use for regular coffee. The decaffeination process might slightly change the bean density, but measuring by weight ensures you get a consistent brew regardless.
Finding the perfect answer to “how much ground coffee for one cup” is a personal journey. It starts with the standard ratios but always ends with your own taste buds. The most important step is to pay attention. Note how much you used, how it tasted, and tweak your next cup accordingly. With a little practice, you’ll be able to make your ideal cup without even thinking about it. The perfect morning ritual awaits.