How To Measure Coffee Without a Scale (+4 Brewing Methods)

Last updated on October 11th, 2024 at 02:00 pm

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.

This direct conversion makes it straightforward to measure the right amount of water for your coffee.

How to Use It?

• For a single 8-ounce cup of coffee, you’ll need 225 milliliters of water. Fill your measuring cup up to this level.
• If you use a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio, that 225 milliliters of water would pair with 15 grams (or three tablespoons) of coffee.

Why Is This Important?

Water measurement is crucial because it affects the strength and flavor of your coffee. Too much water can dilute your brew, while too little can make it overly strong.

So, by measuring your water accurately, you ensure a balanced and enjoyable cup. For instance, when I brew Chemex coffee, I meticulously measure 600 milliliters of water for 40 grams. This precision ensures a consistently great taste every time.

How To Measure Coffee Without a Scale?

Okay, let’s talk about some easy math to brew favorable coffee consistently. So, here’s how to calculate coffee and water volumes and adapt recipes with tablespoons and measuring cups.

Calculating Coffee and Water Volumes

Using the 1:15 ratio, you can achieve the right balance of coffee and water. Here’s a quick guide to help you accurately measure single servings and larger quantities.

Single 8oz (225ml) Cup: Using the 1:15 Ratio

Amount	Water (ml)	Coffee (grams)	Coffee (tablespoons)
1 Cup (8oz)	225	15	3
2 Cups (16oz)	450	30	6
3 Cups (24oz)	675	45	9

Note: For a single 8-oz cup, measure 225ml of water and 3 tablespoons of coffee. If you want to make more than one cup, just scale up according to the table. Also, for three 8-oz cups (24oz), you’ll need 675ml of water and 9 tablespoons of coffee.

How To Adapt Adapt Recipes?

Sometimes, you might have a specific amount of coffee and need to figure out how much water to use. Here’s how you can adapt using the 1:15 Ratio:

Example for Specific Tablespoons of Coffee

Coffee (tablespoons)	Coffee (grams)	Water Needed (ml)
4	20	300
5	25	375
6	30	450
7	35	525

Note: If you have 6 tablespoons of coffee, you’ll need 450ml of water to keep the 1:15 Ratio. For 4 tablespoons of coffee, use 300ml of water.

These tables are handy tools for brewing coffee without a scale. They provide a quick reference to ensure you get the right coffee and water for any brew size.

What Are The Downsides of Measuring Without a Scale?

Not everything is a walk in the park when you don’t have a scale. You still will face some problems, such as:

1 – Variability in Bean Size and Density

Not all coffee beans are created equally. They vary in size or density. For instance, smaller, denser beans (like Ethiopian) can weigh more per tablespoon than larger, less dense beans (like Colombian).

Also, dark roasts, which lose more moisture during roasting, are less dense than lighter roasts. For this reason, your tablespoon of coffee might weigh differently each time, affecting your measurements.

2 – Impact on Flavor

These weight differences impact flavor. Using denser beans without adjusting the amount can lead to over-extraction, resulting in a bitter taste.

On the other side, using fewer or less dense beans can cause under-extraction, making your coffee taste weak or sour.

So, if you want to avoid these problems, I suggest you get a scale. Check this guide, where I talk about the top 5 coffee scales.

How To Adjust For Consistency?

So, here’s what you can do: note your bean type and roast level. Lighter, denser beans might need less volume, while darker, less dense beans might need more.

Remember: Always start with a baseline and adjust based on taste: reduce the amount if it is too strong or bitter, and add more if it is too weak or watery.

Brewing Coffee Without a Scale for Different Methods

Okay, so now that we chew down on some theory, let’s put our hands to work:

1 – Chemex Coffee Without a Scale

So, let’s take a look at our delicious Chemex brewer. I’ve found the golden ratio is about 2 level tablespoons of medium-ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water.

This translates well into a flavorful and balanced cup of coffee. It’s essential to stick to this ratio without a scale and adjust based on your preferences.

Steps	Instruction
Step 1 – Grind Your Coffee	Start with a medium grind. If the grind is too fine, the water will take too long to pass through the coffee, making it bitter. Too coarse, and it will pass too quickly, resulting in weak coffee.
Step 2 – Boil the Water	Heat slightly more water than you need. For an 8-ounce cup, boil about 10 ounces to account for rinsing the filter.
Step 3 – Prepare the Chemex	Insert the Chemex filter, ensuring the three-fold side is against the spout. Then, rinse the filter with hot water to eliminate any papery taste, and preheat the Chemex. Discard the rinse water.
Step 4 – Measure the Coffee	For one 8-ounce cup, add 2.5 to 3 level tablespoons of ground coffee to the filter. Adjust this to taste; for a stronger brew, use slightly more coffee.
Step 5 – Bloom the Coffee	Pour a small amount of hot water (just enough to wet all the grounds) over the coffee to bloom it. This should be about 100-150 milliliters of water. Let it sit and bloom for 45 seconds. This step allows the coffee to release carbon dioxide, enhancing the extraction process.
Step 6 – Pour the Water	Slowly pour the rest of the water in a circular motion, avoiding the sides of the filter. You want to pour in stages, maintaining a consistent flow. For an 8-ounce cup, you will add about 225 milliliters (the remaining amount after blooming).
Step 7 – Complete the Brew	The total brewing time should be around 4 minutes. Also, adjust the pouring speed to ensure this. If the coffee drips too slowly, try coarser grounds next time. If it’s too fast, use a finer grind or pour more slowly.

Adjusting Pour Times and Flow Rates

Paying attention to the pour and flow rates is crucial without a scale. Here’s what works for me:

• Slow and Steady Pour: Too fast can rush brewing, leading to under-extracted, weak coffee. Instead, you want a slow and controlled pour.
• Circular Motion: Pour in a steady, circular motion from the center outwards and then back in, which helps in even extraction.
• Time Management: Aim for a total brew time of about 4 minutes. This might take some adjustment based on how your coffee tastes.

2 – Pour Over Coffee Without a Scale

I enjoy brewing coffee with a Hario V60. But without a scale, it is all about getting the right balance between coffee and water. So, here’s how I approach making V60 pour-over coffee without a scale:

1 – Stick to a Ratio

I typically use a ratio of about 1 tablespoon of coffee for every 4 ounces of water for pour-over coffee.

This gives me a good starting point for a balanced cup. Adjusting slightly from this baseline helps fine-tune the flavor to your preference.

2 – Consistency is Key

Use level tablespoons to measure your coffee. Over time, you’ll learn how much coffee you need to match your water volume.

For me, using the same scoop each time and keeping my measurements level has helped maintain consistency.

3 – Water Temperature

Boil water and let it cool slightly to about 200°F (just off the boil). This ensures optimal extraction without scalding the coffee grounds.

4 – Volume-based Measurement

Estimating coffee and water amounts can be straightforward once you know your desired coffee strength and volume.

5 – Coffee Measurement

For a single cup (about 12 ounces of coffee), I use 3 level tablespoons of coffee grounds. If you want a stronger brew, add another tablespoon; for a lighter brew, reduce by one.

For larger quantities, scale up proportionally. For example, use 6 tablespoons of coffee for two cups.

6 – Water Measurement

Use a liquid measuring cup to measure your water. For a 12-ounce cup, measure 360 milliliters of water.

If you don’t have a measuring cup, you can estimate using a standard mug. Most mugs hold about 12 ounces, so filling one with water and using that as your guide works well.

7 – Using Visual Cues and Timing

You should pay attention to visual cues and timing without a scale. This can help ensure you’re brewing correctly.

Steps	Instructions
Step 1 – Bloom Phase	Start by pouring just enough water to wet all the coffee grounds, which is roughly 50-60 milliliters. This is the bloom phase, during which the coffee releases trapped gases. I let it sit for about 30-45 seconds.
Step 2 – Slow, Circular Pour	Pour the water slowly, circularly, starting from the center and moving outwards. This technique ensures even saturation of the coffee grounds. Pour steadily until you reach your total water volume. For a single cup, this means pouring the remaining 300 milliliters after the bloom.
Step 3 – Monitor Brew Time	A typical V60 brew should take about 2.5 to 3.5 minutes. If the brew time is too short, your grind might be too coarse, or you’re pouring too quickly. If it’s too long, the grind might be too fine, or you’re pouring too slowly.
Step 4 – Visual Check	Look for a smooth, steady stream of coffee dripping into your carafe or cup. The grounds should appear evenly saturated, without dry patches or overly wet spots.

3 – French Press Coffee Without a Scale

So, here’s how I brew my French press coffee without a scale and still get a rich, full-bodied cup.

1 – Coffee Measurement

For each cup (8 ounces) of water, I use 2 level tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee. This is a good starting point for a balanced brew.

For a standard 4-cup (32-ounce), I use 8-level tablespoons of coffee grounds. You can slightly adjust this depending on how strong you prefer your coffee.

2 – Water Measurement

Measure your water using a liquid measuring cup or a standard mug. Each 8-ounce cup of water corresponds to 2 tablespoons of coffee.

If you’re brewing a full French press, measure 32 ounces (4 cups) of hot water just off the boil, around 200°F.

Steps	Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare Your Coffee and Water	Measure your coffee grounds and water. Use 2 tablespoons of coffee and 8 ounces of water for a single cup. Measure 8 tablespoons of coffee and 32 ounces of water for a full French press.
Step 2 – Add Coffee to the French Press	Pour the measured coffee grounds into the bottom of the French press.
Step 3 – Pour Hot Water	Slowly pour hot water over the coffee grounds. I like to pour halfway first, stirring gently to ensure all the grounds are fully saturated. Then, pour the remaining water up to the desired level. This helps to extract the flavors evenly.
Step 4 – Steep the Coffee	Place the lid on the French press with the plunger pulled up. Let the coffee steep for about 4 minutes. This is where the magic happens as the flavors infuse the water.
Step 5 – Press and Serve	After 4 minutes, slowly press the plunger down. Apply steady pressure to prevent grounds from escaping into your coffee. Once pressed, pour your coffee immediately into your cup or a carafe to prevent over-extraction.

Tips for Adjusting Brew Strength

Personalizing your French press coffee to suit your taste is easy:

For a Stronger Brew: Add an extra tablespoon of coffee grounds per cup. This small adjustment can make a big difference if you prefer a more intense flavor. Alternatively, you can extend the steeping time by an additional minute, but be cautious not to over-extract and end up with a bitter brew.

For a Milder Brew: Reduce the coffee amount slightly. For example, use 1.5 tablespoons of coffee per 8 ounces of water instead of 2. You can also shorten the steeping time by a minute to achieve a lighter flavor profile.

#4 Aeropress Without a Scale

I’ve found that you can get great results using simple ratios and household measurements. Here’s how to enjoy a delicious Aeropress brew without the precision of a scale.

Note: The Aeropress is incredibly flexible, allowing several recipes and adjustments. I suggest these coffee-to-water volumes:

Aeropress Standard Recipe

Use 2 tablespoons of finely ground coffee with about 100 milliliters of water for a strong, espresso-like shot. If you prefer a more diluted Americano style, start with 1.5 tablespoons of coffee and about 150 milliliters of water.

Steps Required

• Place a filter in the Aeropress cap and rinse it with hot water.
• Attach the cap to the Aeropress, then place it over your mug or carafe.
• Add 2 tablespoons of finely ground coffee into the Aeropress chamber.
• Pour about 100-150 milliliters of hot water over the coffee grounds. Estimate using your liquid measuring cup or a standard mug.
• Stir the mixture for about 10 seconds to ensure all grounds are saturated.
• Insert the plunger and press gently for about 30 seconds to extract the coffee.

Inverted Method

This method often yields a richer flavor. Use 2.5 tablespoons of medium-coarse ground coffee with 200 milliliters of water. This ratio works well for a more concentrated brew that can be diluted to taste.

Steps Required

• Start by placing the plunger into the Aeropress chamber and flip it upside down so it rests on the plunger.
• Add 2.5 tablespoons of coffee into the chamber.
• Pour 200 milliliters of water over the grounds, filling up to about the top of the chamber.
• Stir gently and let it steep for about 1 to 2 minutes.
• Attach the filter cap (with a rinsed filter) to the top, then carefully flip the Aeropress onto your mug.
• Press down steadily to extract the coffee.

Longer Brew

For a brew that mimics the French press, use 2 tablespoons of coffee and fill the Aeropress with 220 milliliters of water. This will produce a fuller-bodied coffee with a bit more steeping time.

Common household items like tablespoons and measuring cups are useful when brewing with the Aeropress.

Last Thoughts

We talked about several ways to measure coffee without a scale. One method is to use a tablespoon or liquid measuring cup.

I enjoy using both ways, especially when I travel or go on vacations and don’t bring my coffee scale with me. It keeps my morning routine simple and still delivers a satisfying cup of coffee.

Having these tricks up my sleeve has helped me get my coffee fix, whether I’m brewing in a hotel room or at a campsite.

I suggest you adapt the basic measurements until you find your palate’s favorite Chemex, Pour Over, Aeropress, or French Press brews. Experiment with the ratios, play with the grind sizes and enjoy the process of discovering what works best for you.

Plus, if you have any extra tips or unique methods for brewing without a scale, please share them below. I’d love to hear them and learn from your experiences.