It’s a well-known fact that men, women, and children constantly lose coffee scoops. So then, how do they measure their coffee? With tablespoons! In this post, I’ll reveal how many tablespoons are in a coffee scoop, along with some other handy measurements.
I hate to be that guy, but the coffee scoop to tablespoon ratio depends on your brewing method. For the sake of this article, let’s assume you’re like me and you use a 12-cup Drip Coffee Maker.
The short answer is that one coffee scoop equals two tablespoons of coffee. I prefer a stronger cup, so I often double up and use four tablespoons. FYI, adding more coffee doesn’t impart more caffeine, only more flavor. If you want a less intense cup of joe, you can use a single or half tablespoon instead.
Are all coffee scoops the same size?
It….depends. Most coffee scoops hold the same volume, which means that one scoop of ground coffee is equivalent to 2 tablespoons or 10 grams. This standard measurement will ensure you use the ideal coffee grounds to water ratio.
It gets confusing when you travel to Europe (a rich person’s problem). European coffee machine manufacturers use the metric system to measure the number of cups their machines brew. And the typical European cup of coffee is 5 ounces, while we Americans are used to a 6 oz cup.
This 1-ounce difference has allowed European coffee machine manufacturers to rake in millions. They could display on their packaging that they brewed 10 cups of coffee when American coffee machines could only say that they brewed 8 cups. Yet both machines brewed the same amount of coffee!
How Big is a Typical Coffee Scoop?
A typical coffee scoop holds about two tablespoons of coffee. But what if you don’t have a coffee scoop? You can use a tablespoon, a teaspoon, or even grams. Here are some helpful coffee scoop conversions.
☕ Tablespoons in a coffee scoop
If you’re like most people, you either grind your coffee or buy pre-ground coffee. The standard coffee scoop holds two tablespoons of ground coffee.
☕ Teaspoons In A coffee scoop
One coffee scoop is two tablespoons; it takes three teaspoons to make one tablespoon. So you’ll need six teaspoons of coffee to make a single “scoop.”
☕ grams in a coffee scoop
This answer is a bit confusing. Volume-wise, two tablespoons hold 28.3 grams. But since coffee grounds don’t completely fill the space of a tablespoon, it actually works out to 10 grams per 2 tablespoons.
☕ Coffee Scoop Calculator
This coffee scoop calculator shows the scoops, tablespoons, and grams of coffee you should use based on the cup capacity of Drip Coffee makers.
| Coffee Brewer Capacity | Scoops | Tablespoons | Grams |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Cups | 12 | 24 | 108 |
| 10 Cups | 10 | 20 | 90 |
| 8 Cups | 8 | 16 | 72 |
| 6 Cups | 6 | 12 | 54 |
| 4 Cups | 4 | 8 | 36 |
coffee scoop to water ratio
I like strong, dark coffee. My wife likes mild, bright coffee. That means I, too, drink a mild, bright coffee. And while everyone has their coffee strength and taste preferences, there is a Golden Ratio you can follow when brewing.
A group of coffee lovers (and scientists) got together and founded the Specialty Coffee Association of America. They determined that the perfect cup of coffee has a golden ratio of 18:1.
For many people, two tablespoons of coffee for every six fluid ounces of water is the perfect amount. However, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to coffee – everyone has their own personal preferences.
For example, if you prefer a stronger coffee, use more ground coffee. Conversely, use less coffee if you want your coffee to be lighter.
Other Methods For Measuring Coffee
Here are some additional methods you can use to measure your coffee if you don’t have a coffee scoop.
☕ Use a Digital Kitchen Scale
Wondering how much coffee to make for your morning routine? You can easily weigh out your coffee grounds with a digital kitchen scale with precise measurements. This is not only the best way but also the most accurate method for measuring coffee.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made a Pour-Over coffee or a French Press and ended up with either too little or too much coffee because I didn’t measure my coffee first. Measuring the correct weight of coffee in grams is crucial since both brewing methods are pretty unforgiving.
Wondering how to use your digital scale? First, place a cup on the scale and hit the “zero” or “tare” button. This will zero-out the scale, so it’s no longer weighing the cup. Next, add your coffee grounds until the scale reads 10 grams of ground coffee.
☕ Use Your Coffee Grinder
This is an excellent method if you have a coffee grinder. This method is a little tricky at first, but after some practice, it becomes easier. When measuring, place what you think will result in 2 tablespoons of ground coffee, in whole bean coffee, into the grinder. Once it’s done grinding, eyeball two tablespoons worth.
Where Can I Buy a Replacement Coffee Scoop?
With so many different types of coffee spoons available, it’s hard to know which one to buy. That’s why I’ve done all the leg work and picked a few of my favorites.
The Best Wood Coffee Scoop ($9.99)
Scoop Size: 2 ounce
Material: Birch
What I like: Beautiful craftsmanship
The Baltique Marrakesh Collection Wooden Coffee Scoop is crafted from layers of birch wood and then hand-stained to create a brilliant array of colors. It’s then hand-sanded to a smooth, satin finish. Also, it’s durable and easy to clean, so you can scoop the right amount of coffee without dirtying your hands.
The Best Stainless Steel Coffee Scoop ($12.99)
Scoop Size: 2 ounce
Material: Stainless Steel
What I like: Comes in a set of 2
After reviewing several stainless steel coffee scoop options, I ultimately chose the Apace living Stainless Steel Coffee Scoop. Its mirror-polished finish will never rust, and its ergonomic design makes it easy on the hands. Additionally, it’s got almost five stars on Amazon.
The Best Plastic Coffee Scoop ($9.99)
Scoop Sizes: 1 tbsp, 2 tbsp
Material: Plastic
What I like: dishwasher safe
This set of plastic coffee scoops is perfect for measuring ground coffee. The set has two scoop sizes (1 tablespoon and two tablespoons). They’re dishwasher safe, and you can choose between black or white to match your kitchen vibe. Using precise scoops means you’ll never use too much ground coffee!
Is There a Standard Coffee Cup Size?
A common question is what size of coffee mug is “standard”? It can be challenging to answer this question as most cups are from 4 ounces to 24 ounces. In the United States, we say that a cup is 8 ounces. Yet, when it comes to coffee, the global-average size is only 6 ounces.
To make matters even more confusing, Starbucks has set a standard in our minds regarding coffee sizes. They say that coffee should come in 4 sizes: 8-ounce, 12-ounce, 16-ounce, and 20-ounces.
How Can I Measure Coffee Without a Scoop?
To measure your coffee, you can use a tablespoon or teaspoon. For one scoop, use two tablespoons or six teaspoons.
You can use a kitchen scale to ensure your coffee is even more accurate. This will allow you to precisely measure the grams and will give you a perfectly level coffee scoop.
Thanks so much for stopping by, guys! I hope this helped answer your coffee scoop / coffee spoon questions!
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