How To Measure Coffee Without a Scale (+4 Brewing Methods)
Last updated on February 20th, 2025 at 11:58 am
Do you want to enjoy a perfect cup of coffee but don’t have a scale to measure your ingredients? I totally understand. Maybe you’re on vacation or traveling or don’t want to spend money on extra gear.
But you still crave that great-tasting coffee to kickstart your day. The problem is, without a scale, it’s easy to end up with coffee that’s either too weak to wake you up or so strong it’s practically undrinkable. Plus, guessing the right amount can feel like a gamble, leaving inconsistent results.
Anyway, here’s the good news: you can measure coffee without a scale and still brew a fantastic cup.
You can achieve the perfect balance every time by using the Golden Ratio—a simple coffee-to-water guideline (1:15 to 1:18). This method relies on common kitchen items like a spoon and measuring cup, making it accessible and easy to follow.
Imagine waking up to a consistently delicious cup of coffee, no matter where you are or what tools you have. Intrigued? Keep reading to learn more.
Basic Measuring Tools For Coffee
Well, just because you don’t have a scale doesn’t mean it’s the end: “No, more coffee fun for you!” You can still create a delicious cup with a few common kitchen tools. Here’s what I do:
Tablespoons
Did you know you can measure coffee beans with a simple tablespoon? On average, one level tablespoon of coffee beans weighs about 5 grams.

This approximation is handy because it aligns well with the golden coffee-to-water ratios many experts recommend.
Quick Tip
You can count on three level tablespoons to measure 15 grams of coffee. This is perfect for an 8-ounce cup of coffee when aiming for a 1:15 ratio (coffee to water). Also, remember to keep your scoop levels similar each time.
Liquid Measuring Cups
When it comes to water, a liquid measuring cup is your best friend. This tool’s magic lies in the fact that 1 gram of water equals 1 milliliter.


