Wondering how much coffee per cup to use for a strong cup of coffee? Can’t figure out how much coffee you need for 4 cups or a full pot?
In this article, you’ll discover the right coffee to water ratio you can use to make a great cup of coffee at home – no matter if you’re using tablespoons, scoops, or a scale.
QUICK SUMMARY:
The Golden ratio in grams. Discover the recommended coffee to water ratio in grams.
The Golden ratio in tablespoons. The best coffee to water ratio in tablespoons.
Making a full pot or just a few cups. Find out exactly how many tablespoons of coffee you need for 6, 8, 10, or 12 cups.
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Don’t let that new trend fool you – a perfect cup of coffee is incredibly simple to make and you don’t need a scale to do it.
We want a simple and stress-free morning routine, and while the scale is more precise, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using tablespoons to measure out the coffee if that’s what you prefer.
Use the coffee to water ratio below and make the very best cup of joe every time, no matter what equipment you’re using.
How many grams of coffee per cup
To achieve the SCA Golden cup standard, the recommended coffee to water ratio is 55 grams of coffee/ liter.
In US cups, that’s 14 grams of ground coffee for every 8 ounces of water.
How many tablespoons of coffee per cup
A general guideline is called the Golden ratio – 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 8 ounces of water.
This is my preferred coffee ratio for drip, pour over and French press (I do use different ratios for cold brew). It makes the best, strong cup of coffee.
Of course, coffee is personal – the very best way to make it is how you like it best. If you don’t like your coffee too strong, you can use 1 – 1 1/2 tablespoon coffee per cup if you prefer.
Pro tip: Different coffee roast types will give a different tasting coffee. Learn the difference between coffee roasts.
How many cups of coffee in a pot
When making coffee, remember that a standard US cup equals 8 fl ounces, while a coffee pot cup is just 5 ounces. So, a full 12 cup pot makes 60 ounces of coffee, or 7 regular cups, not 12 cups.
For this reason, I will include ALL coffee to water ratios you might need so you don’t have to calculate them yourself.
Coffee ratios for your drip coffee maker (coffee pot):
how many tablespoons of coffee for 4 cups: 20 oz water + 5 tbsp coffee
how many tablespoons of coffee for 6 cups: 30 oz water + 7 1/2 tbsp coffee
how many tablespoons of coffee for 8 cups: 40 oz water + 10 tbsp coffee
how many tablespoons of coffee for 10 cups: 50 oz water + 12 1/2 tbsp coffee
how many tablespoons of coffee for 12 cups: 60 oz water + 15 tbsp coffee
If measuring in 8 ounce cups, you will need:
1 cup = 8 oz water + 2 tbsp coffee
2 cups = 16 oz water + 4 tbsp coffee
3 cups = 24 oz water + 6 tbsp coffee
4 cups = 32 oz water + 8 tbsp coffee
5 cups = 40 oz water + 10 tbsp coffee
If measuring in 10 ounce cups, you will need:
1 cup = 10 oz water + 2 1/2 tbsp coffee
2 cups = 20 oz water + 5 tbsp coffee
3 cups = 30 oz water + 7 1/2 tbsp coffee
4 cups = 40 oz water + 10 tbsp coffee
5 cups = 50 oz water + 12 1/2 tbsp coffee
If you like 12 ounce cups, you will need:
1 cup = 12 oz water + 3 tbsp coffee
2 cups = 24 oz water + 6 tbsp coffee
3 cups = 36 oz water + 9 tbsp coffee
4 cups = 48 oz water + 12 tbsp coffee
How many scoops of coffee per cup
One coffee scoop is equal to 2 tablespoons. If you use scoops to measure coffee, you’ll want to use 1 scoop for every 8 oz cup. If you’re using a coffee scoop, that would be:
how many scoops of coffee for 4 cups: 20 oz water + 2 1/2 scoops
how many scoops of coffee for 6 cups: 30 oz water + 3 1/2 scoops
how many scoops of coffee for 8 cups: 40 oz water + 5 scoops
how many scoops of coffee for 12 cups: 60 oz water + 7 1/2 scoops
OTHER BREWING METHODS
Coffee to water ratio French press
Coffee to water ratio for cold brew
Brewing Basics
Water temperature: Your brewer should maintain a water temperature between 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal extraction. If you are brewing the coffee manually, hot water just of the boil is usually around 200 – 205 Fahrenheit.
Grind level: Use medium (drip) grind for drip coffee makers, pour over, and Chemex. A medium to coarse grind (like sea salt) is ideal for Chemex. For espresso and stovetop espresso, use a fine grind. French press needs coarse grind, as breadcrumbs.
Brew time: The brew time varies depending on the brewing method. In a drip system, the contact time should be approximately 5 minutes. It takes about 3 minutes to brew a full cup with pour-over filter. French press brew time is 4 minutes. When making espresso, the coffee is in contact with the water for only 20-30 seconds.
I hope this helps, and don’t forget: coffee is personal, and the very best way to make it is how you like it best!
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