When making coffee at home, one of the most common questions is how much coffee to use per cup or per pot. The standard ratio is 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water. However, this can vary based on personal taste preferences, brewing method, and the size of the coffee scoop.
How Many Ounces in a Cup of Coffee?
A standard cup of coffee is generally considered to be 6 ounces. This is the typical mug size used for brewing coffee at home. Starbucks coffee cup sizes are actually larger than this standard measurement:
- Tall = 12 ounces
- Grande = 16 ounces
- Venti = 24 ounces
So when figuring out coffee ratios, it’s important to know that a “cup” of coffee refers to a 6 ounce serving size.
Coffee to Water Ratio
The Specialty Coffee Association recommends using 2 tablespoons of ground coffee (10-12 grams) per 6 ounces of water. This results in a ratio of:
- 1:15 if using weight (for every 15 grams of water use 1 gram of coffee)
- 1:8 if using volume (for every 8 ounces of water use 1 tablespoon of grounds)
This is considered the starting point that will produce a balanced, flavorful cup of coffee for most brewing methods. Of course, you can adjust the ratio up or down to your taste. More coffee per 6 ounces will result in a stronger, bolder brew, while less coffee will create a weaker, milder cup.
Scoop Sizes
Coffee scoop sizes vary and can range from:
- 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons = 14-15 grams
- 1.5 tablespoons = 22-23 grams
- 2 tablespoons = 6 teaspoons = 28-30 grams
Standard coffee scoops are usually 2 tablespoons, but some brands may be slightly smaller or larger. Refer to the package instructions or product details for your specific coffee scoop size.
For example, a 1.5 tablespoon scoop will hold slightly less coffee (22 grams) than a full 2 tablespoon scoop (28 grams). This can impact the flavor and strength if using a non-standard scoop size.
Number of Scoops for 6 Cups
Using the typical ratio of 2 tablespoons ground coffee per 6 ounce cup, for 6 cups of coffee you will need:
12 tablespoons or 6 standard 2-tablespoon scoops
To break this down:
- 2 tablespoons per 6 oz cup
- 6 cups x 2 tablespoons = 12 tablespoons
- 12 tablespoons / 2 tablespoons (standard scoop size) = 6 scoops
So if using a typical 2-tablespoon (28 gram) scoop size, 6 level scoops will make 6 cups of coffee.
Scoops Required for Other Cup Amounts
| Cups of Coffee | Tablespoons Needed | 2-Tbsp Scoops Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 2 cups | 4 tablespoons | 2 scoops |
| 4 cups | 8 tablespoons | 4 scoops |
| 6 cups | 12 tablespoons | 6 scoops |
| 8 cups | 16 tablespoons | 8 scoops |
| 10 cups | 20 tablespoons | 10 scoops |
| 12 cups | 24 tablespoons | 12 scoops |
As shown, for every 2 cups of coffee, you’ll need 4 tablespoons or 2 scoops using a standard 2 tablespoon measure coffee scoop.
Simply multiply the number of cups by 2 tablespoons to determine the amount of ground coffee needed. Then divide by 2 (if using a 2-tbsp scoop) to calculate the number of scoops.
Adjusting the Coffee to Water Ratio
While 2 tablespoons (1 scoop) per 6 ounce cup is typical, you can customize the brew strength by adjusting the coffee to water ratio up or down.
For a Stronger Brew:
Use 2.5 or even 3 tablespoons per 6 ounce cup.
So for 6 cups that would be:
- 2.5 tablespoons x 6 cups = 15 tablespoons
- 15 tablespoons / 2 tbsp per scoop = 7.5 scoops (round to 8 scoops)
For a Milder Brew:
Use 1.5 tablespoons per 6 ounce cup.
For 6 cups:
- 1.5 tablespoons x 6 cups = 9 tablespoons
- 9 tablespoons / 2 tbsp per scoop = 4.5 scoops (round to 5 scoops)
Play around with the amounts to dial in the flavor strength you prefer. Just remember – more ground coffee will increase the brew strength, less ground coffee creates a weaker cup.
Does Scoop Size Matter?
Yes, the exact size of your coffee scoop can make a difference in the final brew.
If your scoop holds 2 tablespoons or 28-30 grams coffee, using 6 level scoops per 6 cups is the standard ratio.
But if your scoop is smaller, like 1.5 tablespoons (22 grams), you would need to use more scoops to achieve the right 2:6 ratio. For example, 8 smaller 1.5-tbsp scoops for 6 cups.
On the other hand, oversized 3-tablespoon (42 gram) scoops would require fewer scoops. 4 full 3-tbsp scoops for 6 cups.
The best bet is to use a scale to weigh out the recommend gram amount per 6 ounces. If using scoops, be aware of whether it’s a standard 2-tablespoon size or smaller/larger capacity. Adjust the number of scoops as needed to achieve roughly 10-12 grams of coffee per 6 oz cup.
Common Brewing Methods
The typical coffee to water ratio can work for most home brewing methods. Here are some notes for specific preparations:
Drip Machine:
Use 6 level 2-tbsp scoops for a full 12 cup pot. You can also scale the ratio for 1-2 cups brewed, but keep in mind many drip makers won’t brew less than 4 cups total.
French Press:
This method steeps the grounds directly in the water so a slightly coarser grind is recommended to avoid overextraction. Use 2-tbsp ground coffee per 6 oz water.
Pour Over:
The bloom phase is important for even saturation. Pour a little water first, let bloom, then pour the remaining water in a circular pattern. Use 6 scoops for a full pour over batch.
Cold Brew:
Requires a higher ratio since cold water doesn’t extract as efficiently. Use 1/4 cup ground coffee per 2 cups water. Steep 12-24 hours.
Percolator:
Use standard ratio as percolators recirculate the water through the grounds. Measure both coffee and water carefully.
Espresso:
Uses a much higher concentration of ground coffee, at least 7 grams per 1 ounce shot. Adjust grind size for optimal extraction.
Coffee Bean Recommendations
The variety of coffee beans used will also impact the flavor at a given brew ratio. Here are some suggestions:
Light Roast:
Brings out the origin flavors, but can taste sour if under-extracted. May benefit from a slightly higher ratio.
Medium Roast:
Balanced flavor, not too harsh or bitter. Works well with standard 2 tbsp to 6 oz ratio.
Dark Roast:
Deeper, often bitter flavor. Lower ratio around 1.5 tbsp per 6 oz cup prevents overpowering bitterness.
Blends:
Offer more complex flavors. Use normal ratio and adjust stronger or milder if needed.
Decaf:
Can taste weak or watery. Increase ratio to 2.5 or 3 tbsp per 6 oz cup for bolder decaf coffee.
Measurements By Weight
While coffee scoop sizes can vary, using an accurate scale provides consistent results by allowing you to weigh out the exact amount of ground coffee.
The standard weight ratio is:
- 1:15 coffee to water (ex. 10 grams coffee per 150 grams water)
- Approximately 10-12 grams coffee per 6 ounces water
So for 6 cups (24 ounces) you would use:
- 24 oz water x 28 g/oz = 672 grams water
- 67.2 grams coffee (672 grams water divided by ratio of 1:15)
Weighing your grounds takes the guesswork out of scoop sizes and provides precise control over the coffee to water ratio for your preferred brew strength. Investing in a good kitchen scale can help elevate your homemade coffee.
Key Tips for Great Coffee
Achieving a great tasting cup of coffee depends on multiple variables – the ratio of grounds to water, grind size, freshness of beans, brewing equipment, brew time, water quality and more. Keep these tips in mind:
- Always start with fresh, high quality coffee beans.
- Grind beans just before brewing if possible.
- Use the recommended coffee to water ratio for your preferred flavor and strength.
- Adjust grind size based on brew method (fine for espresso, medium-coarse for drip).
- Weigh grounds for complete control over ratio.
- Quality water makes a difference. Avoid hard water if possible.
- Brew for appropriate time – don’t under or overextract.
- Clean equipment regularly to prevent buildup affecting taste.
- Never reheat leftover coffee – always make a fresh pot.
While the standard starting point is 2 tablespoons ground coffee per 6 oz water, experiment to find your optimal flavor preference. The key is being consistent with your chosen ratio once dialed in. Enjoy your daily cup of joe!
Conclusion
To brew 6 cups of coffee using standard ratios, you’ll need 6 scoops of ground coffee using a typical 2-tablespoon (28 gram) scoop size. This equals 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounce cup, allowing you to easily scale the ratio up or down for fewer or more servings. For ultimate control and consistency, weighing out your ground coffee is recommended. And keep in mind the grind size, brewing method, and coffee bean variety will all impact the final flavor at a given ratio. Adjust to your taste and enjoy experimenting with your daily morning brew!
