The short answer for a standard drip coffee maker: about 2 level tablespoons (roughly 10 grams) of ground coffee per 6-ounce cup. But “cup” on your coffee maker does not mean the same thing as a cup you drink from, and that is where most people get confused. Here is the chart, and then the explanation.
Drip coffee maker chart
Most drip coffee makers measure a “cup” as 5 to 6 ounces, not 8. The numbers below use the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) Golden Cup ratio of about 55 grams per liter, rounded to practical scoops. One level coffee scoop equals about 2 tablespoons or roughly 10 grams, though this varies by grind size and roast.
Maker cups | Water (oz) | Coffee (grams) | Coffee (scoops)
4 cups | 20 oz | 33 g | 3.5 scoops
6 cups | 30 oz | 50 g | 5 scoops
8 cups | 40 oz | 66 g | 6.5 scoops
10 cups | 50 oz | 83 g | 8.5 scoops
12 cups | 60 oz | 99 g | 10 scoops
These are starting points. If the coffee tastes weak, add more. If it tastes bitter or too strong, use less. The drip coffee guide covers technique and water temperature for getting the best results from your machine.
By brewer type
French press: Use about 1 gram of coffee per 12 to 15 grams of water. For a standard 34-ounce (1 liter) French press, that is about 60 to 70 grams of coarsely ground coffee. Start at 65 grams and adjust. The French press guide has the full method.
Pour-over: About 1:15 to 1:17 (coffee to water by weight). For a single cup using 250 ml of water, that is about 15 to 17 grams of medium-fine ground coffee.
Espresso: A standard double shot uses about 18 grams of finely ground coffee and produces about 36 grams of liquid, a 1:2 ratio. This is measured by weight, not volume.
Moka pot: Fill the filter basket level with finely ground coffee without pressing it down. The basket size determines the dose, usually about 15 to 17 grams for a 6-cup stovetop moka.
Cold brew concentrate: Use a ratio of about 1:4 to 1:8 (coffee to water by weight). For 1 liter of water, that is 125 to 250 grams of coarsely ground coffee. Dilute the concentrate 1:1 with water or milk when serving. The cold brew guide covers steeping time and filtering.
Coffee urn: For large batches at events, the coffee urn guide has quantity charts for 30, 55, and 100-cup urns.
Scoop vs scale
A coffee scale is more accurate than scoops because different coffees weigh different amounts by volume. A scoop of light-roast whole beans weighs more than a scoop of dark-roast whole beans, and ground coffee packs differently depending on grind size. Scoops work fine for everyday drip coffee, but if you want consistent results every time, a scale is the single best $15 you can spend. The why you should weigh your coffee guide explains the difference it makes.
Adjusting for strength
The chart above hits the middle of the SCA range. If you like your coffee stronger, add 10 to 15 percent more coffee rather than brewing longer or using hotter water, which can make it bitter. If you like it milder, reduce the coffee by the same margin. Changing the amount of coffee is the cleanest way to adjust strength without changing the flavor profile.
Water matters too. Filtered tap water is ideal. Distilled water produces flat-tasting coffee because it lacks the minerals that help extraction. Very hard water can make coffee taste chalky. If your tap water tastes good on its own, it will work for coffee.
Quick cheat sheet
One level coffee scoop (2 tablespoons) per 6-ounce maker cup. About 10 grams per scoop. About 55 grams per liter for the Golden Cup standard. For anything other than drip, use weight and the ratios above. Start there, then adjust to taste. The cup sizes explained page clarifies why “cup” means something different depending on context.
Frequently asked questions
How much coffee for 12 cups?
For a 12-cup drip coffee maker (60 ounces of water), use about 99 grams or 10 level scoops of ground coffee. Adjust up or down based on your strength preference.
How many scoops for 4 cups?
About 3.5 level scoops (33 grams) for a 4-cup drip maker, which is 20 ounces of water.
How many grams in a coffee scoop?
A level coffee scoop (2 tablespoons) holds roughly 10 grams of ground coffee. This varies by grind size and roast level. A scale removes the guesswork.
What is the golden ratio for coffee?
The SCA Golden Cup ratio is about 55 grams of coffee per liter of water, or roughly 1:18 by weight. Most people enjoy coffee in the 1:15 to 1:18 range depending on their strength preference.
Why is my coffee weak even with more grounds?
Usually the grind is too coarse, the water is not hot enough (it should be 195 to 205 F), or the coffee is stale. Pre-ground coffee loses flavor quickly after opening. Try a finer grind or fresher beans before adding more coffee.
Discussion 1
Those numbers look too American! We use Starbucks rule: each 5 oz cup gets *2* tablespoons, or more precisely, 10 grams!