Sometimes you make that cup of coffee. A cup of great coffee that’s so incredible you think about it all day. But how often can you replicate it?
If you're struggling to make it again, you might ask yourself exactly how much coffee you should use per cup.
The answer is complicated. But in general, you should measure with a tablespoon and use about 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds for every 6 ounces of water. If you want to get super specific, weighing your coffee grounds and water is the way to go.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of coffee’s “Golden Ratio” and how you brew delicious coffee more consistently.
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A Quick Guide To How Much Coffee To Use
As a general starting point for brewing coffee, start by using a tablespoon. Use about 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds for every 6 ounces of water.
With that in mind, let’s consider how much coffee to use for popular coffee pot sizes.
- How much coffee for 4 cups? For 4 cups of coffee, you should use about ½ cup of coffee grounds.
- How much coffee for 6 cups? For 6 cups of coffee, it’s best to use anywhere between 11.5 to 15 tablespoons of coffee grounds.
- How much coffee for 8 cups? For 8 cups of coffee, the range of tablespoons is between 14 and 18.
- How much coffee for 10 cups? For 10 cups of coffee, anywhere from 16-20 tablespoons of coffee grounds will be a good starting point.
- How much coffee for 12 cups? For 12 cups of coffee, start by using 24-26 tablespoons of coffee grounds.
These are guidelines and general starting points.
To brew strong coffee, start more toward the upper end of my recommendations.
But there’s a better way to brew!
The best way to elevate your coffee brewing game is by using a scale to measure your coffee instead of scoops or tablespoons.
Let’s dive into how and why you should be more conscious about measuring your coffee while brewing!
Coffee’s “Golden Coffee Ratio” And Why It Matters
The Golden Ratio of coffee refers to the ideal balance between the amount of coffee grounds and the amount of water used in the brewing process.
The ratio is typically 1:15, meaning for every 1 gram of coffee, 15 grams of water are used. This ratio is considered the "golden" ratio because it is believed to produce the best flavor and strength of coffee.
To achieve the Golden Ratio of coffee, the coffee grounds and hot water need to be weighed using a scale.
The most common way to achieve the Golden Ratio is by using the pour-over method or a coffee maker with a precision scale.
It's important to note that the Golden Coffee Ratio is a guideline, not a hard and fast rule.
Each type of coffee bean will have its unique flavor profile, so the ratio may need to be adjusted accordingly.
Different brews also require different ratios. Cold brew coffee needs a much higher ratio.
Personal taste preferences will also play a role in determining the best ratio for an individual's taste.
Bottom line: The Golden Coffee Ratio is the ideal balance between the amount of coffee grounds and the amount of water used in the brewing process. The ratio of 1:15 is considered the "golden" ratio because it is believed to produce the best flavor and strength of coffee. It's a guideline that can be adjusted depending on the type of coffee bean used and personal taste.
Why Should You Use A Scale?
Using a scale when brewing coffee can help ensure a consistent and accurate ratio of coffee to water, which is important for achieving the desired flavor and strength of the coffee.
For brewed coffee, the ratio of coffee to water is crucial for determining the final taste of the coffee.
Using a scale to measure the coffee grounds ensures that the correct amount is used, which can help achieve the desired flavor and strength.
Additionally, coffee beans may vary in density and size, affecting the ratio.
For example, a scoop of coffee grounds from a light roast bean will weigh less than a scoop of coffee grounds from a dark roast bean.
A scale allows you to measure the exact weight of the coffee grounds, ensuring that the correct ratio is used for each type of bean.
Another reason to weigh coffee instead of scooping is that grind size changes how many grounds get into the scoop.
A finer grind will pack into a scoop more than a coarse grind.
Weighing coffee instead helps keep the ratio consistent. Another benefit of using a scale is that it allows more precise adjustments to the ratio.
For example, if the coffee is too weak, you can add more coffee grounds to the next brew.
Without a scale, it can be difficult to know exactly how much coffee to add to achieve the desired result.
Bottom line: Using a scale when brewing coffee can help ensure a consistent and accurate ratio of coffee to water. It allows adjustments to the ratio. It also allows you to measure the exact weight of the coffee grounds, ensuring that the correct ratio is used for each type of bean.
How To Get A Good Ratio Without A Scale
But look, I get it. You might not have a scale, and you might not want to go out of your way to get one.
Fear not! All is not lost.
While using a scale is the most precise way to achieve this ratio, it is possible to estimate the ratio without one.
One way to achieve the Golden Ratio without a scale is by using a coffee scoop or spoon specifically designed to measure coffee grounds.
These scoops or spoons are typically standardized to hold a specific amount of coffee grounds. They are often around 2 tablespoons or 10 grams, which can be used as a rough estimate for the amount of coffee grounds needed.
Another way is using a ratio of coffee to water based on volume rather than weight.
A good starting point would be a ratio of 1:15, which means one part coffee to 15 parts water. You can use a measuring cup or a tablespoon to estimate the volume.
It's important to remember that without a scale, the accuracy of the ratio will not be as precise as when using one. But it can still provide a good starting point for brewing coffee with a good balance of flavor and strength.
Bottom line: While using a scale is the most precise way to achieve the Golden Ratio of coffee, it is possible to estimate the ratio without one. You can use a coffee scoop or spoon specifically designed for measuring coffee grounds or a ratio of coffee to water based on volume rather than weight.
Different Coffees Need Different Brews
Different types of coffee beans have unique flavor profiles. The brewing ratio can affect how those flavors are extracted and perceived.
The type of coffee bean, its roast level, and its origin can influence the brewing ratio that will produce the best flavor.
- Light roast coffee beans have a higher acidity level and a brighter flavor. They typically require a higher brewing ratio, closer to 1:12 or 1:13, to extract their flavors properly.
- Dark roast coffee beans have a lower acidity and a stronger, bolder flavor. They typically require a lower brewing ratio, closer to 1:15 or 1:16, to extract their flavors properly.
Note: These are generalities. Each type of coffee bean may produce a different brew. It’s best to play around with the ratio for each new type of coffee you try to find what works best.
The origin of the coffee beans can also affect the brewing ratio. For example, African coffee beans have a brighter and more acidic flavor. Meanwhile, coffee beans from South America have a milder, sweeter flavor.
It's important to note that the Golden Ratio is just a guideline and not a hard and fast rule.
Each type of coffee bean will have its unique flavor profile, so the ratio may need to be adjusted accordingly. Additionally, personal taste preferences will also play a role in determining the best ratio for an individual's taste.
In a nutshell, different coffee beans have unique flavor profiles. The brewing ratio can affect how those flavors are extracted and perceived. The type of coffee bean, its roast level, and its origin can influence the brewing ratio that will produce the best flavor. It's important to note that the Golden Ratio may need to be adjusted depending on the type of coffee bean and personal taste.
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