Getting the amount of coffee grounds per cup right is the single most important step for a great brew. It’s the difference between a weak, sour cup and a bitter, overpowering one. This guide will give you the simple answers and the detailed knowledge to make perfect coffee every time.
We’ll cover all the methods, from your drip machine to your French press. You’ll learn how different factors like grind size and roast level change the equation. Let’s get started.
How Many Coffee Grounds Per Cup
This is the golden question. The standard answer, supported by the Specialty Coffee Association, is a ratio of 1:18. That means 1 gram of coffee for every 18 grams of water. For a standard 6-ounce cup, this works out to about 10 grams of coffee, or roughly 2 tablespoons.
But “cup” can mean different things. A coffee maker cup is often 5-6 ounces. A mug is 8-12 ounces. And a measuring cup is 8 ounces. This is where confusion starts. We’ll clarify it all below.
The Golden Ratio: Understanding Coffee-to-Water
The best way to think about coffee is with a ratio. It’s more precise than scoops. A good starting point is between 1:15 and 1:18 (coffee to water).
- 1:15 Ratio: Stronger, more intense flavor. Use 20g of coffee for 300g of water.
- 1:18 Ratio: Lighter, more tea-like. Use 17g of coffee for 300g of water.
Most home brewers find a sweet spot around 1:16 or 1:17. You can adjust to your taste from there.
Measuring by Volume vs. Weight
A kitchen scale is your best friend for consistent coffee. Why? Because a tablespoon of dark roast whole beans weighs less than a tablespoon of light roast fine grounds. Volume is inconsistent.
- Using a Scale: The professional method. Weigh your beans before grinding. Aim for 10-15 grams per 6-ounce cup.
- Using Tablespoons: If you don’t have a scale, use this. For a standard coffee maker cup, use 1 to 2 tablespoons of grounds. For a full 8-ounce measuring cup, use 1.5 to 2.5 tablespoons.
Why a Scale Changes Everything
When you use weight, you remove all the guesswork. The type of bean or grind size doesn’t matter. 20 grams is always 20 grams. This consistency means you can perfectly replicate a great cup, or tweak one variable at a time to improve a bad one.
Brew Method Breakdown
Different brewing equipment needs different amounts of coffee. Here’s a per-cup guide for common methods.
Drip Coffee Maker (Automatic)
Most machines define a “cup” as 5-6 ounces.
- Per Machine Cup (6 oz): 10 grams (about 2 tbsp) of medium grind coffee.
- For a 12-cup Pot (60 oz water): Use 70-80 grams of coffee. That’s about 15-17 tablespoons.
If your coffee tastes weak, try increasing to 11 or 12 grams per cup. Many people under-measure for drip machines.
French Press (Plunger Pot)
French press coffee uses a coarser grind and a higher coffee-to-water ratio for its full-bodied style.
- Per 8 oz Cup: 14-16 grams of coarse grind coffee.
- Standard 34 oz Press: Use 55-65 grams of coffee.
Steep for 4 minutes, then press slowly. Don’t let it sit too long after pressing or it will get bitter.
Pour Over (V60, Chemex, Kalita)
Precision is key here. A gooseneck kettle and scale are highly recommended.
- Standard Ratio: Start with 1:16. For a 12 oz cup (350g water), use 22 grams of coffee.
- Grind: Medium-fine, like sea salt. The pour speed and technique also effect the strength.
Chemex often uses a slightly lighter ratio, like 1:17, because of the thick filters.
AeroPress
The AeroPress is versatile. You can make a single strong cup or a larger Americano-style drink.
- Standard Recipe: 15-18 grams of fine to medium-fine coffee with 200-230 grams of water.
- Inverted Method: Many users prefer this to prevent dripping. The coffee amount stays the same.
Brew time is short, usually 1-2 minutes, followed by a gentle press.
Espresso
Espresso is in a different category. It uses high pressure, very fine grounds, and a much smaller output.
- Single Shot: 7-9 grams of coffee yields about 1 ounce of liquid.
- Double Shot: 16-20 grams of coffee yields about 2 ounces of liquid.
The ratio here is typically 1:2 (coffee to liquid) and extraction time should be 25-30 seconds.
Factors That Change the Equation
The “perfect” amount isn’t just about your machine. These variables matter alot.
Grind Size
Finer grinds have more surface area, which extracts flavor faster. Coarser grinds extract slower.
- Too Fine + Too Much Coffee: This will likely cause over-extraction, making it bitter and clogging filters.
- Too Coarse + Too Little Coffee: This leads to under-extraction, making coffee weak and sour.
Match your grind to your brewer first, then adjust the amount for strength.
Roast Level
Dark roasts are less dense than light roasts. A tablespoon of dark roast will weigh less.
- Light Roast: Denser. You might need slightly more by volume to get the same weight as a dark roast.
- Dark Roast: Less dense. It’s also more soluble, so it can extract faster and become bitter if you use too much.
Your Personal Taste
This is the most important factor. The “right” amount is what tastes best to you. Start with the standard recommendation, then adjust.
- Too Weak/Sour? Increase the coffee grounds by 1-2 grams per cup, or use a slightly finer grind.
- Too Strong/Bitter? Decrease the coffee grounds by 1-2 grams per cup, or use a slightly coarser grind.
Keep a small notepad by your coffee station to record what you try.
Step-by-Step Guide for Perfect Measuring
- Choose Your Brew Method. Decide if you’re making drip, pour over, French press, etc.
- Measure Your Water First. Know how much coffee you want to end up with. Use grams (ml) for accuracy.
- Calculate Your Coffee. Use a 1:16 ratio as a start. For 500g water, you’d need about 31g coffee (500 / 16).
- Weigh Your Beans. Place your grinder’s container on the scale, tare it to zero, and add beans until you hit your target weight.
- Grind for Your Method. Set your grinder to the correct setting: coarse for French press, medium for drip, fine for espresso.
- Brew Immediately. Freshly ground coffee starts losing flavor quickly, so brew right away.
- Taste and Adjust. Note the flavor. Next time, change only one variable: either the amount of coffee or the grind size.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the “Scoop” That Came With the Maker: These are rarely accurate. They often lead to under-measuring.
- Guessing: Eyeballing amounts will give you inconsistent results day to day.
- Using Pre-Ground Coffee for the Wrong Brewer: Using drip grind in a French press will make muddy coffee. Match the grind.
- Forgetting to Clean Your Equipment: Old oils and residue in your grinder or machine will make fresh coffee taste bad.
- Using Stale Beans or Grounds: Coffee is best used within a month of roasting and immediately after grinding.
Special Situations & Tips
Making Iced Coffee
If you pour hot coffee over ice, it will dilute. To compensate, use a stronger brew.
- Cold Brew: Use a 1:8 ratio (coffee to water). Steep for 12-24 hours, then dilute with water or milk.
- Flash Chilled (Japanese Iced Coffee): Brew hot coffee directly onto ice. Use a 1:13 ratio, where 1/3 of your water weight is ice in the carafe.
For a Full Pot vs. a Single Cup
The ratios stay the same. For a full pot, just multiply. If 10g is good for 6 oz, then 60g is good for 36 oz. Always calculate from the total water weight, not the number of “cups” your machine says it makes.
Decaffeinated Coffee
Decaf beans often have a different density and can extract differently. Start with your standard ratio, but be prepared to adjust slightly. You might need a touch more decaf to achieve the same body as regular.
FAQ Section
How many tablespoons of coffee per cup?
For a 6-ounce cup, use 1.5 to 2 tablespoons. For an 8-ounce cup, use 2 to 2.5 tablespoons. This is a general guide, as tablespoon measures vary with grind.
What is the standard coffee to water ratio?
The standard ratio is between 1:15 and 1:18 (coffee to water). A great starting point is 1:16, or 16 grams of water for every 1 gram of coffee.
How much coffee for 4 cups?
If your “cup” is 6 ounces, you need 24 ounces of water. At a 1:16 ratio, that’s about 43 grams of coffee (or roughly 8.5 tablespoons).
How many grams of coffee per cup?
For a 6-ounce cup, aim for 10-15 grams. For an 8-ounce cup, aim for 14-20 grams. Using grams is the most accurate method.
Does the type of coffee bean affect the amount?
Yes, mainly through roast level. Light roast beans are denser, so you might need slightly more by volume to get the same weight as a dark roast. Always try to measure by weight for consistency.
Can I use too much coffee grounds?
Absolutely. Using to much coffee leads to over-extraction, which tastes bitter and harsh. It can also clog filters and waste good beans.
Final Thoughts
Mastering your coffee grounds per cup is a simple skill with a huge payoff. It turns a daily routine into a reliable pleasure. The key takeaways are simple: get a cheap kitchen scale, start with a 1:16 ratio, and adjust based on your taste and your brewer.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Write down what you try each morning. Within a week, you’ll have dialed in your perfect cup. The best part is, once you find your formula, you can make great coffee every single time, without any guesswork or disappointment. Your future mornings will thank you.