How much coffee per cup
The amounts below are for 8 oz cups at a ratio of 1:16.
| You want | Coffee | Or about | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 15 g | 3 tablespoons | 240 g (8 oz) |
| 2 cups | 30 g | 6 tablespoons | 480 g (16 oz) |
| 4 cups | 60 g | 12 tablespoons | 960 g (32 oz) |
| 6 cups | 90 g | 18 tablespoons | 1,440 g (48 oz) |
| 8 cups | 120 g | 24 tablespoons | 1,920 g (64 oz) |
| 10 cups | 150 g | 30 tablespoons | 2,400 g (80 oz) |
| 12 cups | 180 g | 36 tablespoons | 2,880 g (96 oz) |
What the ratio means
A ratio of 1:16 means 16 grams of water for every gram of coffee. A lower number makes a stronger cup and a higher number makes a milder one.
Most recipes land between 1:15 and 1:17, so start in the middle and change one step at a time until the cup tastes right to you.
No scale? Use tablespoons
One level tablespoon of ground coffee weighs about 5 grams, and a standard coffee scoop holds two tablespoons.
A scale is still the more reliable tool, because a tablespoon of light roast weighs more than a tablespoon of dark roast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much coffee do I use for one cup?
Use about 15 grams for an 8 oz cup, which is 3 tablespoons of ground coffee. A 12 oz mug takes about 23 grams.
How many scoops of coffee per cup?
About 1.5 scoops for an 8 oz cup. A standard coffee scoop holds two tablespoons, or about 10 grams.
How much coffee for 12 cups in a coffee maker?
About 113 grams, which is 22.5 tablespoons or 11.5 scoops. Most coffee makers count one cup as 5 oz, so a 12 cup pot holds 60 oz of water.
What is the best coffee to water ratio?
There is no single best ratio. 1:16 is the usual place to start, and most recipes fall between 1:15 and 1:17. Use a lower number if you like your coffee stronger.