A standard coffee scoop is 2 level tablespoons, which is about 10 g of ground coffee. That is enough for one 6 oz cup at a 1:16 ratio, and it is the same scoop the how much coffee per cup page uses. The catch is that many scoops, especially the free plastic ones in a can, are not standard. You can check yours with water in a minute.
How many tablespoons are in a coffee scoop?
Two, when it is a standard scoop. Here is the conversion from scoops to tablespoons and grams, with the water that goes with each amount at 1:16. A level tablespoon of ground coffee is about 5 g, and we explain why that number moves in how many grams of coffee in a tablespoon.
| Standard scoops | Level tablespoons | Coffee (grams) | Water at 1:16 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 1 | 5 g | 80 g (2.8 oz) |
| 1 | 2 | 10 g | 160 g (5.6 oz) |
| 2 | 4 | 20 g | 320 g (11.3 oz) |
| 3 | 6 | 30 g | 480 g (16.9 oz) |
| 4 | 8 | 40 g | 640 g (22.6 oz) |
| 5 | 10 | 50 g | 800 g (28.2 oz) |
| 6 | 12 | 60 g | 960 g (33.9 oz) |
| 8 | 16 | 80 g | 1,280 g (45.1 oz) |
| 10 | 20 | 100 g | 1,600 g (56.4 oz) |
For the pot-sized version, see how much coffee for a 12 cup coffee maker and the 8 cup page.
How do you check your scoop with water?
One tablespoon is 0.5 fl oz, so a standard scoop of 2 tablespoons holds 1 fl oz (about 30 ml) of water. You do not need a scale.
- Fill your scoop level with water. Do not heap it.
- Pour it into a measuring cup or a shot glass marked in ounces.
- Read it. If you have 1 fl oz, it is a standard scoop. If you have 0.5 fl oz, it is a single tablespoon, and if you have 1.5 fl oz, it is three.
Water is a good check for the volume of the scoop, but not for the weight of coffee, because coffee packs differently from water. After you check the scoop once, weigh a level scoop of your coffee if you want a gram number for your own beans.
What if your scoop is not standard?
Then use the tablespoon count it gives you and the same chart. We cannot tell you what the scoop in your can holds, since makers do not agree. These are the three sizes people most often find:
| Your scoop holds | Coffee per level scoop | Water at 1:16 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (0.5 fl oz) | 5 g | 80 g (2.8 oz) |
| 2 tablespoons (1 fl oz) | 10 g | 160 g (5.6 oz) |
| 3 tablespoons (1.5 fl oz) | 15 g | 240 g (8.5 oz) |
If your scoop holds one tablespoon, you need two of them for every standard scoop in a recipe. If it holds three, use two thirds of a scoop. Once you know your size, write it on the lid.
Level or heaped?
Level. A heaped scoop can hold a lot more coffee than a level one, and we have no fixed number for it, so recipes that say scoop mean level. Scrape the top flat with a knife for a repeatable cup. For a stronger pot, add half a scoop and not a whole one. If the pot is still weak after that, the problem is usually the grind, and pour-over coffee too weak walks through the order to check.
How many scoops are in a 12 oz bag?
A 12 oz bag is about 340 g, which is about 34 standard scoops. At one scoop per 6 oz cup that is about 34 cups, and at 2 scoops per 12 oz mug it is 17 mugs. Our subscription is 11% off, with skip or cancel in one click.
Which coffee should you test your scoop with?
Any of the ten works, since the scoop measures volume. If you want an everyday one to test with, this is the one we suggest.
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.
Browse all ten coffees for the others.
Check the scoop once with a glass of water and you will never have to guess again.
Questions people ask
How many tablespoons is a coffee scoop?
A standard coffee scoop is 2 level tablespoons, or 1 fl oz of water. Many free scoops differ, so fill yours with water and check.
How many grams of coffee is one scoop?
About 10 g of ground coffee for a standard 2 tablespoon scoop. That brews one 6 oz cup at a 1:16 ratio.
How many scoops of coffee for 12 cups?
For a 12 cup drip maker with 5 oz cups, about 60 oz of water, you need around 106 g, which is roughly 10.5 standard scoops. Check the 12 cup page for the full table.
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.