How to measure coffee without a scale

To measure coffee without a scale, use level tablespoons: 3 level tablespoons (about 15 g) for every 8 fl oz of water, which is 1:16 coffee to water. A standard coffee scoop is 2 level tablespoons, about 10 g, so that is 1.5 scoops per mug. Level means the spoon is leveled flat with a knife, not heaped.

How many spoons per cup of water?

We count 5 g for a level tablespoon of coffee, and 1 fl oz of water as about 29.6 g. That gives the chart below. Rounding to the nearest half spoon is fine at home.

For a deeper look at the conversion, see how many grams of coffee in a tablespoon and how many tablespoons in a coffee scoop. For machine pots and bigger batches, the how much coffee per cup page has the full chart.

What can you use if you have no scoop?

Any of these will do the job. We list them by kind of tool, not brand.

• Measuring spoons. The most accurate stand-in. Fill a tablespoon and level it with the back of a knife.
• The scoop that came with your coffee maker. Many are about 2 tablespoons, but sizes differ. Check yours by filling it with water and pouring it into your tablespoon: if it takes two, you are set.
• A regular kitchen spoon. Eating spoons vary a lot. Use one only to count roughly, and expect to adjust.

Does it matter if the coffee is whole bean or ground?

Yes, a little. Whole beans and ground coffee pack differently, so a spoon of one does not weigh exactly the same as a spoon of the other. The 5 g figure is a working average, not a promise. Treat your first pot as a test and move by half a tablespoon.

If you grind at home, grind first and then measure the ground coffee with the spoon. That keeps your count consistent from pot to pot. You can also order any of our bags ground, which removes a step.

How do you fix the pot after the first try?

Taste it before adding anything. Then change one thing at a time.

1. If the cup is thin or watery, add half a level tablespoon per 8 fl oz next time.
2. If it is heavy or tastes harsh, take half a tablespoon away.
3. Write down the spoon count that you liked, so the next pot is the same.

Our roaster's own recipes use 60 g per litre, which works out a little lighter than 1:16, about 2.8 level tablespoons per 8 fl oz. In practice 3 spoons is close enough. If you prefer it stronger, the post on how much coffee for strong coffee shows how far to push it.

What about water, with no measuring cup?

A US cup is 8 fl oz, which is 16 tablespoons of water. So the rule of 3 level tablespoons of coffee per cup of water means 3 spoons of coffee to 16 spoons of water. If you only have a tablespoon, you can build a small pot out of that ratio without any other tool.

How do strength and method change the count?

The spread is small, so you can stay with 3 spoons and just shift the water slightly. For a French press, see French press coffee ratio for every size. For cold brew, which uses a much stronger concentrate, see cold brew ratio. Both explain the spoon counts for their pots.

What should you brew with it?

Pick something forgiving while your spoon counting settles in. No. 1 Common Sense is what the roaster suggests for drip or French press at 60 g per litre, with water just off the boil, and it takes milk without falling apart.

All ten are $28 for 12 oz with free US shipping, and you can see all ten coffees on one page. If you want a bag to arrive without having to remember, the subscription is 11% off, with skip or cancel in one click.

Count the spoons once, write down the number, and you will not miss the scale.