How much coffee should I use per cup?

Determining how much coffee to use is the most important step in achieving a consistent, delicious brew. While many people rely on 'scoops' or 'tablespoons,' these measurements are notoriously inaccurate because different roasts and bean densities occupy different volumes. To achieve professional results at home, the industry standard is to use a digital scale to measure by weight.

The 1:16 ratio is widely considered the 'Gold Cup' standard for filter coffee. This means for every 1 gram of coffee, you use 16 grams of water. If you prefer a stronger, more intense cup, you might move toward a 1:15 ratio; if you prefer a lighter, more tea-like cup, a 1:17 or 1:18 ratio may be more to your liking. Because water weighs 1 gram per milliliter, this makes the math straightforward: for a 300ml cup of coffee, you would use roughly 18.75 grams of coffee.

It is important to note that your brewing method will influence your ideal ratio. Espresso, for example, uses a much tighter ratio—often between 1:1.5 and 1:2—because it is designed to be a highly concentrated shot. Conversely, French press brewing often benefits from a slightly higher coffee-to-water ratio, such as 1:15, to account for the immersion style of extraction and the use of a metal filter, which allows more oils and fine particles into the cup.

In practice, start with the 1:16 ratio and keep a simple log of your results. If the coffee tastes too weak, increase the amount of coffee (or decrease the water) for your next brew. If it tastes too intense or bitter, decrease the coffee (or increase the water). Once you find your 'sweet spot,' you can replicate it every morning with precision. Remember that the quality of your beans and the freshness of your grind will always play a role, but the ratio is the foundation upon which all great coffee is built.