How Many Grams Of Coffee Per Cup

If you want to make a great cup of coffee, one of the most fundamental questions you need to answer is how many grams of coffee per cup. This simple measurement is the foundation of your brew, and getting it right makes all the difference between a mediocre mug and a fantastic one.

Let’s talk about what we mean by a “cup.” In coffee, a standard cup is typically 6 ounces, not the 8 ounces you might use for water. But really, the best approach is to use a ratio of coffee to water. This gives you control no matter what size your mug is.

So, let’s get specific. For a balanced, flavorful cup using most brewing methods, a great starting point is a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio. This means for every 1 gram of coffee, you use 16 grams of water.

For a standard 6-ounce (180 ml) cup, this works out to about 11 grams of coffee. But since most of us brew more than one cup, here’s a quick guide:

One 6-oz cup: 11 grams of coffee
Two cups (12 oz): 22 grams of coffee
Four cups (24 oz): 44 grams of coffee
Eight cups (48 oz): 88 grams of coffee

Remember, this is a starting point. You can adjust to match your taste. Prefer a stronger brew? Try a 1:15 ratio. Like it a bit lighter? Go for 1:17.

Why Grams Are Better Than Tablespoons

You might be used to measuring with a spoon. But for consistency, a digital kitchen scale is your best friend. Here’s why:

Bean Density Varies: A dark roast bean is less dense than a light roast bean. A tablespoon of dark roast will weigh less, meaning you’d actually use less coffee.
Grind Size Matters: A tablespoon of fine espresso grind packs more coffee than a tablespoon of coarse French press grind.
Accuracy: Scales don’t lie. You get the exact same amount every time, which leads to a reliably good cup.

If you must use a tablespoon, know that it’s an approximation. On average, one level tablespoon of whole bean coffee is about 5 grams. For that 6-ounce cup, you’d need roughly 2 tablespoons. But really, a scale is a small investment that pays off every morning.

The Golden Ratio: Your Coffee Compass

The “Golden Ratio” is a term used by the Specialty Coffee Association. It recommends a broader range of 1:15 to 1:18 (coffee to water). This is your map for exploration.

1:15 Ratio: Produces a stronger, more intense cup. Good for methods where water contacts grounds briefly, like some pour-overs.
1:18 Ratio: Yields a lighter, more tea-like cup. Can be good for highlighting subtle flavors in a light roast.

Start at 1:16. Make a note of how it tastes. Tomorrow, try 1:15.5. See what you like better. This process of tweaking is called “dialing in,” and it’s how you find your personal perfect cup.

Adjusting for Your Taste Preferences

Your perfect ratio isn’t set in stone. It depends on you. Ask yourself after each brew: Is it too weak and watery? Is it too strong and bitter?

If it’s weak, increase your coffee dose by a gram or two next time (or use less water). If it’s bitter and overpowering, try using a gram less coffee. Small changes have a big impact, so adjust slowly.

Brew Method Breakdown: Grams for Every Technique

Different brewers have unique requirements. Here’s how many grams of coffee to use for common methods, based on a full pot or serving.

Drip Coffee Maker (Automatic)

Most auto-drip machines define a “cup” as 5-6 ounces. Check your manual. For a full 12-cup pot (which is actually 60-72 oz of water), you’ll need a lot of coffee.

Standard Ratio: Use about 70 to 80 grams of coffee for a full 12-cup pot (60 oz of water).
Tip: Use filtered water and clean your machine regularly for the best flavor from your carefully measured beans.

French Press (Immersion Brewing)

French press coffee often benefits from a slightly stronger ratio because the metal filter lets more oils through. A common starting point is 1:14 or 1:15.

For a 34-oz (1 Liter) press: Use 60-70 grams of coffee.
For a 17-oz (500 ml) press: Use 30-35 grams of coffee.
Remember: Use a coarse grind, and don’t let it steep too long after plunging or it can get bitter.

Pour-Over (V60, Chemex, Kalita Wave)

Precision is key here. You usually brew directly into your serving vessel, so plan your water volume first.

To brew 500 ml (about 17 oz) of coffee: Start with 31 grams of coffee (a 1:16 ratio).
For a single 250 ml (8.5 oz) cup: Use about 15.5 grams of coffee.
Pro tip: The pour speed and pattern also affect strength, so keep your ratio consistent while you practice your pouring technique.

AeroPress

The AeroPress is incredibly versatile. Recipes vary wildly, from strong, espresso-like shots to larger, filter-style cups. A standard single serving often uses:

15 grams of coffee to 200-250 grams of water.
Many people enjoy the “inverted method” for more control. There’s lots of great recipes online to try.

Espresso

Espresso is in a different league. It uses pressure and a much finer grind. The measurement is usually a fixed dose of coffee for a shot.

Standard single shot: 7-9 grams of coffee.
Standard double shot: 16-20 grams of coffee.
The output (the liquid espresso) is usually 1-2 ounces. This is a very strong, concentrated brew with a ratio around 1:2.

The Impact of Grind Size and Freshness

Your perfect gram measurement won’t work if your grind is wrong or your coffee is stale. These factors work together.

Grind Size: Think of it like this: finer grinds expose more surface area to water, extracting flavor faster. Coarser grinds extract slower.

If your coffee tastes sour (under-extracted), your grind may be too coarse for the method.
If it tastes bitter (over-extracted), your grind may be too fine.

Adjust your grind size before you change your coffee weight. Get the grind right for your brewer first, then fine-tune with grams.

Freshness: Coffee starts losing its best flavors soon after roasting. For peak flavor, use beans within 2-4 weeks of their roast date. Always store them in an airtight container away from light and heat. Don’t keep them in the fridge or freezer unless your buying in bulk, as moisture is the enemy.

Step-by-Step: How to Measure Your Coffee Perfectly

Let’s put it all together into a simple routine.

Weigh Your Water First: Decide how much coffee you want to drink. Place your empty carafe or mug on the scale, tare it to zero, and add water until you reach your desired amount (e.g., 500 grams).
Calculate Your Coffee: Divide your water weight by your chosen ratio. For a 1:16 ratio with 500g water: 500 / 16 = 31.25 grams of coffee.
Weigh Your Beans: Tare your scale again with your empty grinder basket on it. Grind your beans until you hit 31.25 grams.
Brew: Proceed with your brewing method as usual.
Take a Note: Jot down the ratio, grams used, and how it tasted. This is your coffee journal, and it’s the fastest way to improve.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even with the right grams, things can go a little wrong. Here’s some quick fixes.

Mistake: Your coffee is consistently weak. Fix: Increase your coffee-to-water ratio. Move from 1:16 to 1:15. Also, check your grind isn’t too coarse.
Mistake: Your coffee is bitter and harsh. Fix: Use a slightly coarser grind. If that doesn’t help, try a lighter ratio, like 1:17. Ensure your water isn’t too hot (ideal is 195°F to 205°F).
Mistake: Inconsistent taste from brew to brew. Fix: You guessed it—get a scale! Stop using volume measures like scoops.
Mistake: Coffee tastes flat or stale. Fix: Check your bean’s roast date. Buy fresher beans and store them properly. Grind just before you brew for the absolute best results.

FAQ: Your Coffee Measurement Questions Answered

How many grams of coffee for 1 cup?
For a standard 6-ounce coffee cup, use about 11 grams of coffee with 180 grams of water (a 1:16 ratio). For an 8-ounce mug, aim for about 15 grams.

How much coffee per cup in tablespoons?
It’s not precise, but roughly 2 level tablespoons of whole beans will yield about 10-11 grams. Because of varying densities, a scale is always more accurate for a good cup.

How many grams of coffee for 4 cups?
If your “cup” is 6 ounces, 4 cups is 24 ounces (about 710 ml). At a 1:16 ratio, you’d use about 44 grams of coffee.

Does the type of coffee bean change the weight?
Yes. A light roast bean is denser than a dark roast bean. So a scoop of light roast will actually contain more coffee by weight. This is another strong reason to weigh your beans instead of using a scoop.

Can I use this ratio for cold brew?
Cold brew is a different beast. Because it uses cold water, you need more coffee and a much longer steep time. A common cold brew ratio is 1:8 (coffee to water) for a concentrated brew that you later dilute with water or milk.

Final Thoughts on Finding Your Perfect Measure

Starting with 11 grams for a 6-ounce cup, or more broadly the 1:16 ratio, gives you a reliable launchpad. The real magic happens when you start experimenting from there. Your perfect cup depends on your beans, your brewer, your water, and most importantly, your tongue.

Invest in a simple digital scale. It’s the single most important tool after your grinder. Pay attention to the feedback your coffee gives you with each sip. A little adjustment tomorrow can lead to your best cup yet. The journey to great coffee is just a series of small, delicious steps, and it all begins with knowing how many grams to use.