How Many Tablespoons of Coffee per Cup

How Many Tablespoons of Coffee per Cup? The Complete Guide

Getting your coffee just right starts with the basics: the ratio of coffee to water. One of the most common questions among coffee lovers is: how many tablespoons of coffee per cup should you use? Whether you’re brewing in a cafetière, drip coffee maker, or using an espresso shot, the answer makes all the difference to flavour and strength.

In this guide, we’ll explore the standard measurements, how to adjust for taste, and tips for consistent brewing.

Standard Coffee-to-Water Ratio

The “golden rule” for brewing coffee is simple:

  • 1–2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 oz (177 ml) of water

This measurement applies to most drip coffee machines and pour-over methods. Using too little coffee will produce a weak, watery cup, while too much can make it bitter and over-extracted.

For reference, a standard kitchen measuring cup is 8 oz, so if you’re using that instead of a 6-oz brewing cup, you may want to increase your coffee to 2–3 tablespoons.

Adjusting Tablespoons by Coffee Type

Different beans and blends can affect how strong your coffee tastes. For example:

You can experiment with single-origin beans like Ethiopia Yirgacheffe G2 or Guatemala Blue Ayarza Anaerobic Coffee for a more nuanced flavour.

Brewing Methods and Tablespoon Guidelines

1. Drip Coffee Makers

  • Use 1–2 tablespoons per 6 oz of water

  • Most machines assume a “cup” is 6 oz, not 8 oz

2. Cafetière / French Press

3. Espresso & Strong Coffee

  • Espresso is measured by weight rather than tablespoons, but 1–2 tablespoons of finely ground coffee is ideal for a single 1-oz shot

  • Try Trial By Fire Coffee for espresso-style brewing

Tips for Consistent Tablespoon Measurements

  • Use a scale if you want precision. 1 tablespoon ≈ 5–7 grams of coffee, depending on grind

  • Measure by taste – stronger coffee can be achieved by increasing tablespoons slightly

  • Fresh beans matter – grind just before brewing for the best flavour (How to Grind Coffee Beans)

Common Questions

Q: Can I use more than 2 tablespoons per cup?
Yes, but it may result in a bitter cup. Adjust slowly and taste-test.

Q: Does mug size change the tablespoon count?
Yes. Standard mugs can hold 10–12 oz, so scale up to 2–3 tablespoons for larger mugs.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how many tablespoons of coffee per cup is essential for perfect brewing. Stick to 1–2 tablespoons per 6 oz of water, and adjust for taste, bean type, and mug size. With a little practice, you’ll consistently enjoy a delicious, well-balanced cup.

For more coffee inspiration, check out our All Products Collection or explore Different Types of Coffee: A Complete Guide.

Back to blog