One level tablespoon of ground coffee is about 5 grams. Two level tablespoons make one standard scoop, about 10 grams, and that is enough for a 6 oz cup at a 1:16 ratio. A heaped tablespoon can be 7 grams or more, which is why measuring by spoon varies from person to person.
What is the tablespoon to grams chart?
This chart uses 5 g per level tablespoon, a scoop of 2 tablespoons, and 1:16 water. The water column is the coffee weight times 16, converted to ounces.
| Level tablespoons | Coffee (grams) | Standard scoops | Water at 1:16 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 g | 0.5 | 80 g (2.7 oz) |
| 2 | 10 g | 1 | 160 g (5.4 oz) |
| 3 | 15 g | 1.5 | 240 g (8.1 oz) |
| 4 | 20 g | 2 | 320 g (10.8 oz) |
| 5 | 25 g | 2.5 | 400 g (13.5 oz) |
| 6 | 30 g | 3 | 480 g (16.2 oz) |
| 7 | 35 g | 3.5 | 560 g (18.9 oz) |
| 8 | 40 g | 4 | 640 g (21.6 oz) |
| 9 | 45 g | 4.5 | 720 g (24.3 oz) |
| 10 | 50 g | 5 | 800 g (27.1 oz) |
For the pot-by-pot version, with the amounts per cup, read how much coffee per cup. For one pot size, how much coffee for a 12 cup coffee maker and the 6 cup Chemex page have full tables.
Why does a tablespoon of coffee weigh different amounts?
A spoon measures volume and a scale measures weight, and coffee does not pack the same way every time. Three things move the number.
- Grind size. Finer grounds pack tighter, so a spoon of fine coffee weighs more than a spoon of coarse coffee.
- How you fill it. Level means scraped flat with a knife. Heaped can add 2 grams or more.
- Whole bean or ground. Beans leave air gaps, so a tablespoon of whole beans holds less coffee by weight than a tablespoon of grounds. Weigh whole beans before you grind.
We do not have a published gram figure for a spoon of whole beans, so measure yours instead of trusting a rule.
How do you calibrate your own spoon?
- Put a mug on a kitchen scale and zero it.
- Scoop one level tablespoon of the coffee you actually use and level it with a knife.
- Read the weight. Do it three times and take the middle number.
- Write it on the canister. Your number replaces the 5 g above.
If your spoon gives 6 g, use the grams column of the chart divided by 6. The scale is the only part that does not drift, and the same idea is behind our pour-over ratio cheat sheet.
How many tablespoons for a cup, a mug or a travel mug?
Use the chart as a lookup. A 6 oz cup is 2 tablespoons (10 g), an 8 oz cup is about 3 (15 g), a 12 oz mug is about 4.4 (22 g) and a 16 oz travel mug is about 6 (30 g), all at 1:16. The pillar page, how much coffee per cup, covers drip machine amounts. If you want it a little stronger, add half a tablespoon per cup rather than a full one, since a whole spoon changes the cup more than you expect. If the cup tastes weak even at the right dose, check the grind before the spoon. Our pour-over too weak post walks through that order.
How many tablespoons are in a 12 oz bag?
A 12 oz bag is about 340 grams, which is roughly 68 level tablespoons at 5 g each, or about 34 scoops. At 1:16 that is about 15 mugs of 12 oz, or 30 cups of 6 oz. If you want it on a schedule, our subscription is 11% off with skip or cancel in one click, and which coffee cadence fits you does the same math for your cups.
Which coffee should you measure with?
Any of the ten works with this chart, since the weights follow the grind and not the bean. For a first scale-and-spoon test, an everyday medium roast is easy to read.
Our pick
No. 1 Common Sense
Huila and Medellin-Antioquia, Colombia · 1,300 to 1,500 m · Fully washed, solar dried · Castillo, Caturra, Colombia, Typica · Medium
Cocoa, red apple and brown sugar on the label, for the cup you make every morning without thinking about it.
See all ten coffees if you want something else.
FAQ
How many tablespoons of coffee per cup?
For a 6 oz cup, about 2 level tablespoons (10 g). For a 12 oz mug, about 4 level tablespoons (22 g). Both use a 1:16 ratio.
Is a coffee scoop the same as a tablespoon?
Not always. A standard coffee scoop is 2 tablespoons, about 10 g. Free plastic scoops vary, so weigh yours once.
Do whole beans and ground coffee weigh the same per tablespoon?
No. Whole beans leave gaps, so a tablespoon holds less by weight than ground. Weigh the beans, then grind, and the weight stays the same.
Weigh your tablespoon once and the chart is yours.
Questions people ask
How many tablespoons of coffee per cup?
For a 6 oz cup, about 2 level tablespoons (10 g). For a 12 oz mug, about 4 level tablespoons (22 g). Both use a 1:16 ratio.
Is a coffee scoop the same as a tablespoon?
Not always. A standard coffee scoop is 2 tablespoons, about 10 g. Free plastic scoops vary, so weigh yours once.
Do whole beans and ground coffee weigh the same per tablespoon?
No. Whole beans leave gaps, so a tablespoon holds less by weight than ground. Weigh the beans, then grind, and the weight stays the same.
Free printable
Keep the ratio chart on your fridge
One page with grams, level tablespoons and scoops for every cup size and for coffee makers from 2 to 14 cups. Leave your email and the download link appears right here.