Coffee lovers know the difference a tiny scoop can make in the taste of your cup. But what size measuring spoon do you use for coffee? Let’s find out!
The size of your coffee spoon determines how much ground coffee ends up in your brew. Whether it’s a teaspoon or a tablespoon, getting the right ratio ensures a perfect cup every time.
Here’s everything you need to know about measuring coffee with spoons.
Table of Contents
Do you use a teaspoon or tablespoon for coffee?
Traditionally, coffee recipes use a tablespoon to measure coffee grounds. A tablespoon holds about 5 grams of coffee, which is a common starting point.
However, some prefer using a teaspoon for lighter coffee or single-cup servings.
Which One to Choose?
| Measure | Volume (ml) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Teaspoon | 5 ml | Light brew, smaller cups |
| Tablespoon | 15 ml | Standard brew, robust taste |
The choice depends on how strong you like your coffee!
What size measuring spoon for coffee?
The standard coffee scoop is usually 1 tablespoon (15 ml), which equals about 5-7 grams of coffee grounds.
Key Tips
✅ If you want a stronger brew, consider heaping the scoop slightly.
✅ Always use a consistent measuring tool to keep the flavor profile stable.
Is a coffee scoop 1 or 2 tablespoons?
A standard coffee scoop is **1 tablespoon** (15 ml), but some coffee scoops hold 2 tablespoons (30 ml).
It depends on the brand and style, so always check your scoop size.
Quick Conversion
| Scoop Type | Volume (ml) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Small coffee scoop | 1 tbsp (15 ml) | One cup brewing |
| Large coffee scoop | 2 tbsp (30 ml) | Stronger brew, bigger mugs |
How much coffee is in 1 spoon?
In 1 tablespoon of coffee, you typically get around 5-7 grams of ground coffee.
This is the usual amount for brewing an 8 oz cup.
What About a Teaspoon?
A teaspoon only holds about 1.5-2 grams of coffee, suitable for very light brews or smaller cups.
Is a coffee spoon the same size as a teaspoon?
No, a coffee spoon is often larger than a regular teaspoon.
A coffee spoon is usually closer to a dessert spoon, around 10 ml capacity.
Comparison Table
| Spoon Type | Volume (ml) | Coffee Grounds (grams) |
|---|---|---|
| Teaspoon | 5 ml | ~1.5-2 grams |
| Coffee spoon | 10 ml | ~3-4 grams |
| Tablespoon | 15 ml | ~5-7 grams |
So if you’re using a coffee spoon, adjust your recipe to avoid too weak or too strong coffee!
How many spoons of coffee for 2 cups?
For two 8 oz cups, you’ll need about:
– 2 tbsp for mild
– 4 tbsp for strong
This keeps your brew balanced and flavorful.
Table for Coffee-to-Water Ratio
| Cups of Coffee | Mild Brew (tbsp) | Strong Brew (tbsp) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp |
| 2 | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp |
| 3 | 3 tbsp | 6 tbsp |
