How much coffee per cup?
The standard "golden ratio" is about 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water — 1 for mild, 2 for strong. This coffee calculator scales that ratio from a single mug all the way up to a big batch for a party or office.
Quick reference
- 1 standard cup = 6 oz water + 1–2 tbsp grounds
- 1 lb of coffee brews roughly 30–48 cups
- For a crowd — a 12-cup pot uses about ¾ cup of grounds
Tips
Coffee makers measure a "cup" as 6 oz, not 8 — so a "12-cup" pot is about 72 oz. Use fresh, filtered water and grind just before brewing for the best flavor.
Frequently asked questions
How much ground coffee per cup?
Use about 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water — one tablespoon for mild, two for strong. This coffee calculator multiplies that by the number and size of cups you're brewing.
How much coffee do I need for a party of 50?
For 50 people having about 2 cups each, you'll brew around 100 cups, which takes roughly 2 to 3 pounds of ground coffee. The calculator gives the exact amount in cups, tablespoons, and grams.
How many cups does a pound of coffee make?
A pound of ground coffee makes roughly 30 cups at strong strength and up to about 48 cups at mild strength, depending on your ratio.