A cup of coffee is a way a large number of people around the world jump start their mornings. In fact, it is estimated that one billion people drink coffee each day.
To know just how many grams of coffee you need to brew the perfect cup, first you need to decide if you are making your coffee in the American or European style. While, at the end you’ll have the same results, the grams of coffee to water ratio does differ.
According to the Speciality Coffee Association of America (SCAA) you will need 10 grams of coffee per six ounces of water to make an American style cup.
To make your coffee the Euro way, you will need seven grams of coffee per four ounces of water.
How to Make the Perfect Pot of Coffee
As mentioned above, the SCAA recommends 10 grams of coffee per six ounces of water to make an American style cup. But, most American households use US cups and measurement system when making coffee. Additionally, most coffee brands sold in the United States give the measurements in US cups as well.
It is much more common for those living outside the United States to measure their coffee in grams or other weighted units.
According to Folgers, a brand of coffee in the United States, 60 fluid ounces of water requires a half cup of ground coffee. This would be for a standard coffee pot.
Grams of Coffee to Water Ratio
Getting the perfect water to coffee ratio is vital for making the perfect cup. The SCAA has come up with what they call the “Golden Ratio” to achieve the best cup of coffee.
The SCAA recommends aiming for an 18:1 ratio. If you want to follow the golden ratio, the breakdown of this would be 55 grams of coffee for 1000 grams of water. If you are more familiar with using US cups over grams when measuring coffee, try using our grams to cups converter so that you can achieve the best cup of coffee.
How Many Tablespoons of Coffee per Cup?
When measuring out a cup of coffee, most people are making it for a full pot of coffee, which is usually about 12 cups. When scooping coffee into a machine, you will typically use 12-24 tablespoons of coffee per pot of coffee. That breaks down to about one to two tablespoons of coffee per cup.
When measuring coffee for a full pot, it might be easier to use cups instead of tablespoons. Try using our tablespoon to cup converter to get a more accurate measurement with less scooping.
What is the Difference Between Coffee and Espresso?
Whether you are making coffee or espresso, many are reaching for the first cup to get a caffeine boost and jump start their day. Espresso uses the same coffee beans as a regular cup of drip coffee, the difference is the grinding and brewing process.
What is Espresso?
Espresso is made by forcefully pushing hot water through extremely finely grounded coffee beans. Espresso is also a relatively new way to consume coffee—invented by Italian coffee enthusiast and inventor Angelo Moriondo, he was granted a patent for his machine in 1884.
During this time, coffee was big business for Europe and traditional drip coffee was not quick enough to meet the demands of cafe patrons. Seeing that there was a need to make a caffeinated beverage more quickly, inventors began making and testing coffee making machines that would be a quicker alternative to drip coffee.
Once Moriondo’s machine was deemed the way to brew coffee quickly, espresso was born and not much has changed in the brewing process since the late 19th century.
How Many Grams of Coffee for Espresso?
For a traditional shot of espresso, about six to eight grams of dry, ground coffee is needed. Once the espresso is made the final beverage is between 10 and 20 grams. Espresso shots might be small, but they pack a powerful punch. There can be up to 75 milligrams of caffeine per espresso shot—thats a lot of caffeine for about one and a half fluid ounces, also known as one jigger to coffee and liquor connoisseurs.
What About Tea?
Tea, like coffee, is a very popular drink of choice across the world. There are about one and a half to three grams of tea per bag. When making tea, each bag should be steeped in about eight ounces of water for about five minutes. Just like drip coffee and espresso, true tea contains caffeine and increases activity in the brain when consumed.
Next Time You Brew
Next time you’re about to make a cup of coffee, espresso—or even tea, be sure to measure out the grounds or leaves perfectly to ensure that you will be drinking the best cup. Following the ratios stated above will lead to a great tasting beverage.
Emily is a freelance writer and teacher. Originally from New York, Emily now lives and works in Europe.