How Much Coffee Grounds Per Cup

How Much Coffee Grounds Per Cup? The Perfect Brew Ratio Explained

Getting the amount of coffee grounds right is one of the most important parts of brewing coffee that tastes balanced, smooth, and satisfying. Use too little ground coffee and the result is weak; use too much and bitterness quickly takes over.

This guide explains how much ground coffee beans to use per cup, how this changes with brewing methods, grind size, and coffee makers, and how to consistently brew the perfect coffee at home.

☕ How Much Ground Coffee Should You Use Per Cup?

For a standard 240–250 ml cup, the general recommendation is:

✔ 1–2 tablespoons of ground coffee (7–14 grams of ground coffee)

This breaks down as:

  • 1 tablespoon → light, mild cup

  • 1.5 tablespoons → medium strength (most common choice)

  • 2 tablespoons → strong, bold flavour

For those seeking consistency across multiple cups of coffee, professional brewers rely on the golden ratio.

⚖️ The Golden Coffee-to-Water Ratio Explained

The coffee to water ratio most commonly used by baristas is:

1:15 to 1:17
(1 gram of coffee for every 15–17 ml of water)

Examples:

  • 250 ml water → 15–17 g coffee

  • 500 ml water → 30–34 g coffee

  • Full coffee pot → adjust proportionally for volume

Using this ratio helps deliver repeatable results whether you’re brewing one cup or several.

🧪 Why Grind Size Changes the Amount You Need

Your grind size directly affects extraction due to changes in surface area:

  • Coarse grind (French press)
    → Larger particles, less surface area
    → Use slightly more coffee

  • Medium grind (filter, drip coffee makers)
    → Balanced extraction
    → Follow standard ratios

  • Fine grind (espresso)
    → Smaller particles, more surface area
    → Use less coffee by volume, but compacted

Learn more here:
👉 How to Grind Coffee Beans

🔧 How Much Coffee to Use by Brewing Method

French Press (Cafetière)

Filter / Drip Coffee Makers

  • 1–1.5 tablespoons per cup

  • Medium grind
    Works well for most home coffee makers

Pour Over

  • 1.5 tablespoons per cup

  • Medium-fine grind
    Adjust for brightness or strength

Espresso

  • 7–10 g per 30–40 ml shot

  • Fine grind, firmly tamped

Instant Coffee

Uses a different extraction method entirely:
👉 How to Make Instant Coffee

📏 Tablespoons vs Scales: Which Is Better?

Using tablespoons of ground coffee is convenient, but measuring by weight offers better consistency.

  • Roast level affects volume

  • Bean density varies

  • Scoop size isn’t always exact

Using a kitchen scale or dedicated coffee scale ensures repeatable flavour — especially when switching beans or brewing methods.

🫘 Best Coffee Beans for Consistent Measuring

These coffees from The Coffee Connect work exceptionally well whether you measure by spoon or scale:

Explore more options here:
👉 All Coffee Collection

🔗 Helpful Brewing Guides

✅ Final Answer: Getting the Right Amount Every Time

For a 240–250 ml cup:

  • Light: 1 tablespoon

  • Medium: 1.5 tablespoons

  • Strong: 2 tablespoons

Adjust based on grind size, brewing method, and taste preference. For the most consistent results — especially when switching beans — use a coffee scale and stick to the golden ratio.

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