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Try an Example
Pick a scenario to see how the calculator works, then adjust the values
Morning Drip Coffee
Two standard cups of medium-strength drip coffee.
Key values: 2 cups (6 oz each) · Medium strength · Arabica beans
Espresso Double Shot
A classic double espresso with standard extraction.
Key values: 18g dose · Normale profile · 25-30 sec pull
Cold Brew Concentrate
A batch of cold brew concentrate for the week.
Key values: 500 mL water · Strong ratio 1:4 · 18-24 hr steep
V60 Pour-Over
A single precise pour-over with bloom calculation.
Key values: 1 cup · Medium-strong · Bloom water shown
This calculator is also known as How Much Coffee Per Cup.
Read the complete guideWhy Cup Size Matters
A "12-cup" coffee maker does not make 12 measuring cups (96 oz) of coffee. It makes 12 five-ounce cups (60 oz). Using the wrong cup size can result in coffee that is twice as weak or twice as strong as expected.
Examples
12-Cup Coffee Maker
12 cups on a standard drip coffee maker (5 oz each)
12 x 5 oz = 60 oz (1,776 mL) water. At 1:16 ratio, use about 111 g (21 tablespoons) of medium-ground coffee.
Key takeaway: Always check whether your coffee maker uses 5 oz or 6 oz cup markings.
Get the Right Amount Every Time
Match your cup definition to your actual mug or carafe markings.
- Check your coffee maker manual for actual cup size (usually 5 oz)
- Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate dose
- When in doubt, start with 2 tablespoons per 6 oz of water
Frequently Asked Questions about How Much Coffee Per Cup
Why does my 12-cup coffee maker only make 60 oz?
Most coffee makers define a "cup" as 5 ounces (148 mL), not the standard US measuring cup of 8 ounces (237 mL). So a 12-cup coffee maker produces 60 ounces of brewed coffee.
What is the correct cup size for a coffee maker?
Nearly all drip coffee makers (Mr. Coffee, Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach) use 5 oz cups. Some European models use 4 oz or 6 oz. Check your manual or measure the carafe at the highest line and divide by the number of cups.
How do I measure coffee without a scale?
Use level tablespoons: about 2 tablespoons of medium-ground coffee per 6 oz of water. One standard coffee scoop equals 2 tablespoons (~10 g). For best consistency, keep your grind size the same each time.
Specialized Calculators
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