You’re standing at the counter, coffee maker ready, and you need to make coffee for four people. The question is simple: how much coffee for four cups? Getting the right ratio is the difference between a great morning and a disappointing one. This guide will give you the clear, precise answers you need for every brewing method.
We’ll cover everything from standard drip machines to French presses and pour-overs. You’ll learn exactly how much ground coffee to use, how to adjust for your taste, and how to avoid common mistakes. Let’s get your perfect four cups brewing.
How Much Coffee For Four Cups
This is the core question. But the answer depends entirely on what you mean by a “cup.” A coffee maker’s “cup” is not the same as a standard measuring cup.
Understanding the “Coffee Cup” vs. the Measuring Cup
This is the most important step. If you get this wrong, your coffee will always be off.
- Standard Measuring Cup: Holds 8 fluid ounces.
- Most Coffee Maker “Cup”: Typically defined as 5-6 fluid ounces. This is an old standard from when cups were smaller.
- Some Modern Makers: Now use 8-ounce cups, but you must check your manual.
For this article, when we say “four cups,” we mean four servings from a coffee maker. We’ll usually base it on the 6-ounce standard, because that’s most common. We’ll also tell you how to adjust for 8-ounce servings.
The Golden Ratio: The Starting Point
Professional baristas and the Specialty Coffee Association use a “Golden Ratio” for brewing. It’s your best starting point.
- The Ratio: 1 gram of coffee to 16-18 grams of water (or 1:16 to 1:18).
- In Simple Terms: About 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water.
- Why a Range? The 1:16 ratio makes stronger coffee. The 1:18 ratio makes lighter coffee. You can choose your preference.
Standard Drip Coffee Maker Measurements
For a typical drip machine that uses 6-ounce cups:
- For Four 6-ounce Cups: You need 24 ounces of water total.
- Using the Ratio: For 24 ounces of water, use 4 to 5 tablespoons of ground coffee. More precisely, use 40-48 grams of coffee.
- For Four 8-ounce Cups: You need 32 ounces of water total. Use 5 to 7 tablespoons (or 53-64 grams) of coffee.
If your machine has a “4-cup” mark on the water reservoir, it’s likely designed for 24 ounces of water. Use the coffee amounts above.
Measuring by Weight vs. Volume
A small kitchen scale is the best tool for perfect coffee. A tablespoon of light roast coffee weighs less than a tablespoon of dark roast. Weight is accurate, volume is not.
- Target for Four Cups (24 oz water): 42-45 grams of coffee is a great middle ground.
- Without a Scale: Use level tablespoons, not heaping. And try to be consistent with your scooping method.
Adjusting for Different Brewing Methods
Not all coffee is made in a drip machine. Each method has it’s own ideal grind size and ratio.
French Press Coffee for Four
French press coffee uses a coarser grind and a higher coffee-to-water ratio because it’s an immersion brew.
- Ratio: Use a 1:15 ratio (stronger).
- For Four 6-ounce Servings (24 oz water): Use about 48 grams of coarsely ground coffee. That’s roughly 8 tablespoons.
- Steps:
- Boil water, then let it sit for 30 seconds to cool slightly (ideal temp is 200°F).
- Add coarse grounds to the clean press.
- Pour water over all grounds, ensuring they are fully soaked.
- Place the lid on top with the plunger up. Steep for 4 minutes.
- Press down slowly and steadily. Pour all coffee out immediately to stop brewing.
Pour-Over (Like Hario V60 or Chemex) for Four
Precision is key for pour-over. You’ll need a larger brewer, like a 6-cup Chemex.
- Ratio: A 1:17 ratio often works well here.
- For Four Cups (24 oz water): Use about 42 grams of medium-fine ground coffee.
- Process: This involves a bloom phase and a controlled pour. The grind size affects brew time dramatically.
AeroPress for Multiple Servings
The AeroPress is typically for one cup. For four people, you’ll need to make multiple batches or use a method called “bypass brewing.” For bypass, you make a strong concentrate and then add hot water to each cup after pressing, similar to an Americano.
Cold Brew Concentrate for Four
Cold brew is made as a concentrate and then diluted. To have four cups ready to drink:
- Concentrate Ratio: Use 1:4 or 1:5 (coffee to water).
- To Make It: Combine 1 cup of coarse grounds with 4 cups of cold water in a jar. Steep for 12-24 hours in the fridge. Strain.
- To Serve: Dilute the concentrate with an equal part water or milk over ice. Four servings will use about 2 cups of finished concentrate.
Factors That Change the Amount You Need
Even with the golden ratio, you might need to tweak things. Here’s why.
Coffee Roast and Grind Size
- Dark vs. Light Roast: Dark roast beans are less dense. By volume (tablespoons), you’ll need slightly more dark roast to get the same weight as light roast. If you use a scale, this problem dissapears.
- Grind Size: Finer grinds expose more surface area, extracting faster. If your coffee tastes bitter (over-extracted), use a coarser grind. If it’s sour (under-extracted), use a finer grind. Adjust grind before you adjust the amount of coffee.
Your Personal Taste Preference
Do you like your coffee bold or mild? The golden ratio is just a guide.
- For Stronger Coffee: Increase the coffee-to-water ratio to 1:15. Or, use the same amount of coffee but brew with less water.
- For Milder Coffee: Use a 1:18 ratio. You can also try adding a bit of hot water to your cup after brewing.
- Tip: Change only one variable at a time. Adjust the amount of coffee first, then the grind size if needed.
Step-by-Step Guide for Perfect Drip Machine Coffee
Let’s put it all together for the most common method.
- Check Your Machine’s Cup Size: Look in the manual. If it says 5-6 ounces per cup, proceed. If it’s 8 ounces, adjust water up.
- Measure the Water: Use the machine’s marks or a measuring cup. For four 6-ounce servings, use 24 ounces of fresh, cold water. Pour it into the reservoir.
- Measure the Coffee: Using a scale, measure 42-45 grams of coffee. Without a scale, use 4.5 to 5 level tablespoons. Place it in a clean filter.
- Start the Brew: Turn on the machine. Ensure the coffee grounds are evenly settled in the filter.
- Serve Immediately: Coffee starts to lose its best flavors quickly. Pour it into pre-warmed mugs if possible.
- Clean Up: Discard the used grounds and rinse the pot. Old oils make new coffee taste bad.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Mistake 1: Using Pre-Ground Coffee That’s Too Old
Coffee stales quickly after grinding. For the freshest taste, buy whole beans and grind them just before brewing. A basic burr grinder makes a huge difference.
Mistake 2: Not Using Enough Coffee (The #1 Problem)
Weak, watery coffee usually means you didn’t use enough grounds. Don’t be afraid to add an extra tablespoon. Coffee can be an expensive, so we sometimes skimp, but it leads to a worse drink.
Mistake 3: Using the Wrong Grind Size for Your Machine
Drip machines need a medium grind. Too fine and it clogs and becomes bitter. Too coarse and it makes weak, sour coffee. Get a grinder that lets you choose the setting.
Mistake 4: Not Accounting for the “Lost” Water
Some water stays in the wet coffee grounds after brewing. That’s normal. Don’t try to add extra water to the reservoir to compensate, or you’ll over-extract.
FAQ: Your Quick Questions Answered
How many scoops of coffee for 4 cups?
If using a standard coffee scoop (which is usually 2 tablespoons), you’ll need about 2 to 2.5 scoops for four 6-ounce cups. Always check your scoop’s size.
Is 4 tablespoons of coffee enough for 4 cups?
For four 6-ounce cups (24 oz water), 4 tablespoons is the absolute minimum. It will likely produce a lighter brew. Most people prefer 4.5 to 5 tablespoons for a balanced flavor.
How much coffee for 4 cups in a Mr. Coffee?
Mr. Coffee machines typically use the 5-6 ounce cup standard. Use the “4-cup” water line and add 4 to 5 level tablespoons of ground coffee. Their instructions often suggest 1 tbsp per cup, but that makes weak coffee for many.
How much ground coffee per cup of water?
The standard is 1 to 2 tablespoons per 6 ounces of water. For a full 8-ounce measuring cup, use 1.5 to 2.5 tablespoons. Using weight (10-12 grams of coffee per 6 oz water) is more reliable.
Can I use the same amount for decaf?
Yes, the brewing process is identical. Use the same weight or volume of decaffeinated coffee grounds as you would for regular coffee. The flavor difference comes from the beans, not the brewing ratio.
Final Tips and Summary
Making great coffee for four is easy once you know the basics. Remember these key points:
- Define your “cup.” Assume 6 ounces unless your machine manual says otherwise.
- Start with the golden ratio: ~42-45 grams of coffee for 24 ounces of water.
- Measure by weight with a scale for the best, most consistent results.
- Adjust for your taste and for your brewing method (more for French press, slightly less for pour-over).
- Use fresh beans, grind them just before brewing, and clean your equipment regularly.
Now you have the knowledge. The next time you need to make coffee for a small group, you can do it with confidence. You’ll know exactly how much coffee for four cups, and everyone will appreciate the perfect result.