One of the most common questions among coffee enthusiasts and even wholesale buyers is: How many coffee beans are needed to brew one cup of coffee? While there is no single “perfect” answer, the number of beans depends on the brewing method, grind size, and personal taste preference. As a professional coffee bean supplier, we break down the standard measurements and give you a reliable guide for both home use and business reference.
Most coffee experts recommend using a ratio of 1:15 to 1:18 (coffee to water by weight). This means:
1 gram of coffee for every 15–18 grams of water.
A typical 8-ounce cup (240 ml) requires about 15–18 grams of ground coffee.
Since there are usually around 120 coffee beans per gram, this translates to:
One cup of coffee = approximately 900 to 1,000 coffee beans (depending on size and roast).
Bean Size and Density
Light roast beans are denser and heavier, requiring fewer beans per gram.
Dark roast beans are lighter, meaning you need more beans to reach the same weight.
Brewing Method
Espresso: Uses about 7–10 grams (roughly 500–700 beans).
Drip Coffee: Requires 15–18 grams (around 900–1,000 beans).
French press: Typically 18–20 grams (1,000+ beans).
Personal Taste Preference
Stronger coffee = more beans or higher ratio.
Lighter coffee = fewer beans or lower ratio.
Although it’s interesting to know the approximate number of beans per cup, professional baristas and suppliers always recommend weighing coffee instead of counting beans. Using a kitchen Scale ensures precision and consistency in every brew.
On average, one 8-ounce cup of coffee requires about 15–18 grams of coffee, which equals roughly 900–1,000 coffee beans depending on the roast and size. For accuracy and consistency, always measure by weight rather than counting beans.
As a China coffee bean supplier, we provide wholesale coffee beans with consistent size, quality, and roasting standards—ensuring that every cup brewed by your customers delivers the same rich flavor and aroma.
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