How to Measure Coffee Scoops for the Perfect Brew

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The best brewing ratio for a drip coffee maker, French press & more

Co-authored by Jaden Zhao and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: December 21, 2024 Fact Checked

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How many scoops per cup?

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Best Coffee to Water Ratio

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How many coffee beans per cup?

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FAQ

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Tips

If you’re tired of weak or bitter coffee and want to make it more flavorful, it’s important to hit the right ratio of grounds and water for the best flavor. While how much coffee you use depends on your personal preference, there are some easy guidelines to follow. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through how much coffee to use each time, no matter what you’re using to brew it!

Best Coffee Brewing Ratio

Use 1 scoop, or 2 tbsp, of coffee grounds for a 6-ounce cup of coffee. Use 2 scoops (4 tbsp) of coffee for a standard 12-ounce cup of coffee. To measure by weight, use a 1:15 ratio of coffee grounds to water. Use slightly less water for a stronger cup of coffee, or try a 1:18 ratio if you prefer a weaker brew.

Section 1 of 4:

How many scoops of coffee do you need per cup?

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Use 1 scoop of coffee grounds per cup you’re brewing. Most coffee scoops hold 2 tablespoons (10.6 grams) of grounds when they’re leveled. To make the most flavorful coffee, add a scoop of grounds for every 6 fl oz (180 ml) cup of coffee you’re brewing.^{[1]
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Research source} For a drip coffee maker, use the following ratios:
- 1 cup of coffee = 1 scoop (2 tbsp) of grounds, & 6 fl oz (180 ml) water
- 2 cups of coffee = 2 scoops (4 tbsp) of grounds, & 12 fl oz (350 ml) water
- 4 cups of coffee = 4 scoops (8 tbsp) of grounds, & 24 fl oz (710 ml) water
- 6 cups of coffee = 6 scoops (12 tbsp) of grounds, & 36 fl oz (1,100 ml) water
- 8 cups of coffee = 8 scoops (16 tbsp) of grounds, & 48 fl oz (1,400 ml) water
- 10 cups of coffee = 10 scoops (20 tbsp) of grounds, & 60 fl oz (1,800 ml) water
- 12 cups of coffee = 12 scoops (24 tbsp) of grounds, & 72 fl oz (2,100 ml) water

Section 2 of 4:

What is the best coffee-to-water ratio?

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Aim for a 1:15 or 1:18 ratio of coffee grounds to water. When you measure coffee by weight, you can get more precise with your measurements. Coffee-to-water ratios are normally in the metric system, so for every 1 gram of coffee grounds you use, use around 15 or 18 milliliters of water.^{[2]
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- For example, if you want to make a single cup of coffee for a 300 mL mug, then use 20 grams of coffee grounds.^{[3]
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- Using a 1:15 ratio gives your coffee a stronger and richer flavor that’s more acidic because you’re using less water.
- When you use a 1:18 ratio, expect a more mellow, less acidic flavor from your cup of coffee.

Section 3 of 4:

How many coffee beans do you need per cup?

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Use about 4 tablespoons (10.6 g) of coffee beans per cup. That’s around 75-80 individual coffee beans to make a delicious 6 fl oz (180 ml) cup of coffee. After you grind the beans, you’ll have about 2 tablespoons of grounds to brew.^{[4]
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- Add 2 tablespoons (5.3 g) of coffee beans for every additional cup after the first one.

Section 4 of 4:

FAQ

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How many scoops of coffee do you use in a French press? Use 1 scoop, or 2 tablespoons (10.6 g), of coffee grounds for every 8 fl oz (240 ml) serving of coffee. When you brew with a French press, a 1:15 or 1:17 ratio makes the perfect coffee.^{[5]
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- Use coarse coffee grounds that are about the size of breadcrumbs to make the most delicious cup of coffee.
- Have a different opinion? Share your thoughts on wikiHow's "So what's the right way to make French press coffee?" forum page.
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How many scoops of coffee do you use for pour-over? Use 1 scoop that’s 2 tablespoons (10.6 g) for each cup of coffee you’re brewing. For a precisely ratioed cup of pour-over coffee, use a 1:16 ratio of coffee grounds to water.^{[6]
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- Use medium or coarse coffee grounds to help extract the most flavor from them.
A single scoop works if you’re making one serving, but it varies on how strong you want to make your coffee. Try a 1:15 ratio of coffee to water for cold brew that’s ready to drink right away, or use a 1:5 ratio to make a coffee concentrate that you mix with water before serving.^{[7]
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How many scoops are in a package of ground coffee? In a standard 12 oz (340 g) bag, there are about 64 tablespoons of coffee grounds. If you’re using a normal coffee scoop, you’ll get about 20-30 scoops from the bag.
- Some coffee grounds and beans vary in weight depending on where they were grown and how they were processed, so your number of scoops may vary.

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Tips

Experiment with different ratios when you brew your coffee to see what flavors you like the best.

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If you accidentally made your coffee too strong, try mixing in creamer or milk. Alternatively, dilute it with hot water.

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