The Coffee-to-Water Ratio Made Simple

Brewing coffee for a crowd? Getting the measurements right ensures everyone enjoys a smooth, balanced cup. For 12 cups of coffee, the magic number depends on your preferred strength:

  • Standard brew (medium strength): 12–18 tablespoons of coffee (1.5 tbsp per 6-oz cup).
  • Strong brew: Up to 24 tablespoons (2 tbsp per cup).

⚠️ Pro Tip: Most drip coffee makers define a “cup” as 6 ounces, not 8 ounces. Check your machine’s sizing to avoid weak coffee!

Step-by-Step Guide for Perfect 12-Cup Coffee

  1. Measure Water First: Fill your coffee maker with 72 ounces of water (12 cups x 6 oz).
  2. Calculate Coffee:
  • Medium strength: 18 tablespoons (or 1.125 cups of ground coffee).
  • Stronger kick? Add 2 tbsp per cup (24 tbsp total).
  1. Grind Fresh: Use a medium-coarse grind for drip machines to avoid bitterness.
  2. Brew and Enjoy!

Why Tablespoons Aren’t Always Perfect

While tablespoons work in a pinch, weight measurements (grams) are more precise. For barista-level accuracy:

  • Medium brew: 90–108 grams (12–18 tbsp).
  • Strong brew: 120 grams (24 tbsp).

💡 Fun Fact: A standard coffee scoop = 2 tbsp. Use this to simplify measuring!

Pro Tips for Next-Level Flavor

  • Quality beans matter: Opt for freshly roasted, whole beans.
  • Filtered water: Minerals in tap water can alter taste.
  • Experiment: Adjust the ratio slightly each time to find your sweet spot.

Final Thoughts

Brewing 12 cups of coffee doesn’t require a barista diploma—just the right measurements. Stick to 18 tablespoons as a starting point, tweak to taste, and never serve a weak pot again!

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FAQ: Your Coffee Questions Answered

  • Q: What if my coffee cups are 8 ounces?

    A: For 12 x 8-oz cups (96 oz total), use 24–32 tablespoons (2–2.5 tbsp per cup).

  • Q: Can I use a kitchen scale instead?

    A: Yes! Aim for a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio (1g coffee to 16g water).