How Much Coffee Do I Need?

How much coffee you need comes down to your ratio and how many cups you are making. Here is how to size a single mug or a whole pot.

The simple rule

A 1:16 ratio works for most brewed coffee, which is about 1 g of coffee for every 16 g (or ml) of water. For a standard 12 oz mug, that is roughly 21 g of coffee.

By the pot

Cups (8 oz) Coffee (approx)
2 cups 30 g
4 cups 60 g
8 cups 120 g
12 cups 180 g

Buying beans

One person drinking two mugs a day uses roughly 300 to 350 g of beans a week. A 340 g (12 oz) bag is about a weeks supply for a single daily drinker.

Start at 1:16. Use a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio and adjust to taste. Weigh your coffee for consistency rather than scooping by volume.

See the Coffee Ratio Calculator and the Coffee Batch Calculator.

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The calculators and tools on Formula Factory are provided for general guidance and informational purposes only. Results are estimates based on standard formulas and the values you enter — they do not constitute professional engineering, electrical, or architectural advice. Always verify calculations with a qualified professional before making decisions for any safety-critical, code-compliance, or commercial application. Formula Factory makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of any result, and accepts no liability for errors, omissions, or any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.