How Much Coffee Powder Should You Use Per Cup?
In brief: Start with about 12 g of ground coffee for 200 ml of brewing water. That is a coffee-to-water ratio of roughly 1:16 to 1:17. Without a scale, use about two level tablespoons as a rough starting point, but spoon measurements vary with grind size, roast level, and how tightly the coffee is packed.
Most inconsistent cups begin with an inconsistent measurement. The cup changes, the spoon changes, or the amount of water is guessed. The coffee is then blamed for tasting different from one day to the next.
You do not need laboratory precision to make good coffee at home. You need one sensible starting ratio and a repeatable way to measure it.
The simplest coffee-to-water ratio
60 g of ground coffee per litre of water
Or approximately 1 g of coffee for every 16 to 17 g of water.
How much coffee for each cup size?
| Brewing water | Starting coffee dose |
|---|---|
| 180 ml | 11 g |
| 200 ml | 12 g |
| 250 ml | 15 g |
How much coffee should you use for milk coffee?
Measure the coffee against the water used for brewing, not the final drink volume after milk is added. Try 12 to 14 g of coffee brewed with about 150 ml of water, then add milk to the preferred final volume.
How to adjust the cup
| What you taste | First adjustment to try |
|---|---|
| Weak or watery | Add 1 to 2 g more coffee, or use slightly less water |
| Harsh, dry, or bitter | Keep the dose steady and grind slightly coarser or brew for less time |
Frequently asked questions
How much ground coffee should I use for one cup?
For 200 ml of brewing water, start with about 12 g of ground coffee. Adjust by 1 to 2 g after tasting.
What is the best coffee-to-water ratio?
A practical starting ratio is approximately 1:16 to 1:17, equal to about 60 g of coffee per litre of water.
Meet Your New Daily Grind
Dependable, balanced, and roasted right here in Colombo. Our signature everyday coffee is designed to cut through milk beautifully or shine on its own as a smooth black coffee. Available in whole bean or ground specifically for your brewer.
