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 for a cup of coffee, how measurements change by brewing method, grind size, and coffee maker, and how to consistently brew perfect coffee at home.

☕ How Much Ground Coffee Should You Use Per Cup?

For a standard 240–250 ml cup, a reliable starting point is:

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

A simple breakdown:

  • 1 tablespoon → light, mild cup

  • 1.5 tablespoons → medium strength (most common)

  • 2 tablespoons → strong, bold flavor

This range works well for most home brewers using a drip coffee maker, pour-over, or manual setup. For consistency across multiple cups, many brewers rely on weight rather than volume.

⚖️ The Golden Coffee-to-Water Ratio Explained

The golden ratio used by professionals is:

1:15 to 1:17 coffee to water ratio
(1 gram of coffee per 15–17 ml of water)

Examples:

  • 250 ml water → 15–17 g coffee

  • 500 ml water → 30–34 g coffee

  • 12-cup coffee maker (≈60 oz) → adjust proportionally

Using this approach ensures consistent extraction whether you’re making one mug or a full pot.

🧪 Why Grind Size Changes the Amount You Need

Grind size directly impacts extraction and strength:

  • Coarse grinding (French press)
    Larger particles = less surface area → slightly more grounds per cup

  • Medium grind (filter, drip coffee maker)
    Balanced extraction → standard ratios work best

  • Fine grind / finely ground coffee (espresso)
    High surface area → less coffee by volume, tightly packed

👉 Learn more here:
How to Grind Coffee Beans

🔧 How Much Coffee to Use by Brewing Method

French Press

  • 1.5–2 tablespoons per 240 ml

  • Coarse grind recommended

👉 How to Make Coffee in a Cafetière

Filter / Drip Coffee Maker

  • 1–1.5 tablespoons per cup

  • Medium grind

  • Ideal for standard home machines and 12-cup oz brewers

👉 How to Make Filter Coffee

Pour Over

  • 1.5 tablespoons per cup

  • Medium-fine grind

  • Adjust slightly for brightness or body

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 a Kitchen Scale

Using tablespoons of ground coffee is convenient, but a kitchen scale offers better consistency because:

  • Roast level affects volume

  • Bean density varies

  • A coffee scoop isn’t always exact

Weighing your grounds is especially helpful when switching coffee beans or brewing styles.

🫘 Best Coffee Beans for Consistent Measuring

These options from The Coffee Connect perform reliably whether you measure by spoon or scale:

Browse more here:
👉 All Coffee Collection

🔗 Helpful Brewing Guides

✅ Final Answer: Getting the Right Amount Every Time

For a 240–250 ml cup of coffee:

  • Light: 1 tablespoon

  • Medium: 1.5 tablespoons

  • Strong: 2 tablespoons

Adjust based on grind size, brewing method, and taste preference. For maximum consistency — especially across multiple cups — use a scale and follow the golden ratio.

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