Coffee Amount Calculator
Tell us how many cups you want and your brew method, and we'll give you the exact coffee in grams and tablespoons, plus the water to match.
How much are you making?
Coffee
31.3 g
Tablespoons
5.9
Water
500 g
Based on a balanced 1:16 ratio for Drip Coffee and your chosen cup size. Tablespoons assume ~5.3 g of ground coffee each and are approximate — weighing is always more accurate.
How much coffee per cup?
The right amount depends on three things: how big your cup is, which method you brew, and how strong you like it. This calculator starts from a balanced ratio for your chosen method and your cup size, then scales it to the number of cups you want. A typical 250 ml mug lands around 15–16 g of coffee.
Grams vs. tablespoons
We show both because a scale is the most accurate tool, but tablespoons are handy in a pinch. One level tablespoon of grounds is about 5.3 g, so 15 g is roughly 3 tablespoons — just remember that coarse grinds scoop lighter than fine ones.
Want to change the strength or work from a specific ratio? Head to the coffee ratio calculator or pick your brew method for grind and timing guidance too.
Coffee per cup by method
| Method | Balanced ratio | Grind | Brew time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pour Over | 1:16 | Medium-fine | ~3:00–3:30 |
| French Press | 1:15 | Coarse | ~4:00 |
| AeroPress | 1:15 | Medium-fine | ~1:30–2:00 |
| Drip Coffee | 1:16 | Medium | ~4:00–6:00 |
| Chemex | 1:16 | Medium-coarse | ~4:00–4:30 |
| Cold Brew | 1:5 | Extra coarse | 12–18 hours |
Frequently asked questions
How much coffee do I need per cup?
For a standard 250 ml mug at a balanced 1:16 ratio, use about 15–16 g of coffee (roughly 3 tablespoons). Scale up linearly for more cups — the calculator does it for you.
How many tablespoons is 15 grams of coffee?
Around 3 level tablespoons, since a tablespoon of ground coffee is roughly 5.3 g. Grind and roast change this slightly, so weighing is more reliable than scooping.
How much coffee for a full pot?
A typical 12-cup drip pot holds about 1.5–1.8 L of water. At a 1:16 ratio that is roughly 95–110 g of coffee. Set the cup count and size above to get an exact number.