How many grams for 1 matcha?

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to matcha experts, a standard serving for a thin tea, or usucha, is often cited as 2 grams, which is approximately one teaspoon. This precise measurement helps achieve the perfect flavor balance and consistency, but the ideal serving size can vary based on personal preference and the type of drink you're making. Understanding how many grams for 1 matcha is a key step in mastering this ancient beverage.

Quick Summary

The ideal matcha serving size depends on the desired beverage and strength. A standard cup typically uses 1 to 4 grams of matcha, adjusting the amount for thin tea, thick tea, or lattes. Using a precise measurement ensures a balanced and flavorful experience tailored to personal taste and preparation style.

Key Points

Standard Serving Size: A typical thin matcha tea (usucha) uses about 2 grams of powder, which is roughly one level teaspoon.
Thick Tea (Koicha): For a richer, more concentrated brew, use a higher ratio of powder, often around 4 grams per serving.
Lattes and Smoothies: For mixed drinks, 1 to 2 grams is a common starting point, as other ingredients will balance the flavor.
Grade Matters: Ceremonial grade matcha is ideal for traditional preparations, while culinary grade is better suited for lattes and baking.
Water Temperature: Use water heated to 70-80°C to avoid scalding the tea and releasing bitterness, which can affect the flavor.
Adjust to Taste: The number of grams can be adjusted based on personal preference for strength, bitterness, and flavor profile.

Standard Matcha Measurements by Grams

The quantity of matcha powder needed for a single serving is not a one-size-fits-all answer. It largely depends on the style of matcha you're preparing and your personal taste preferences. However, most experts agree on a range that serves as an excellent starting point.

The Thin Tea (Usucha)

For a traditional thin tea, a standard serving is about 2 grams of ceremonial-grade matcha. This amount is equivalent to approximately one heaped bamboo scoop, known as a chashaku, or one level teaspoon. It results in a light, frothy tea with a delicate flavor profile. A good ratio is 2 grams of matcha to about 70–80 ml of hot (but not boiling) water.

The Thick Tea (Koicha)

Koicha is a more concentrated version of matcha, reserved for high-quality ceremonial-grade powders. For this thicker consistency, you would double the powder while keeping the water volume low. A typical serving is 4 grams of matcha with the same 70–80 ml of water. The result is a richer, sweeter brew with a significantly stronger umami flavor.

Matcha Lattes and Culinary Uses

When preparing a matcha latte, the amount of matcha can be more flexible, often starting with 1 to 2 grams. Because it is mixed with milk and sometimes sweeteners, a lower powder-to-liquid ratio is acceptable. For culinary applications like baking or smoothies, the measurement can be more generous, sometimes using 3 to 4 grams to ensure the matcha flavor cuts through other ingredients.

Preparation Guide for Different Matcha Drinks

Classic Usucha: Whisk 2 grams of ceremonial matcha with 70 ml of 70-80°C water until a fine, creamy froth forms. This provides a traditional, pure flavor experience.
Matcha Latte: Whisk 2 grams of ceremonial or culinary grade matcha with a splash of hot water to form a paste. Add 200-250 ml of steamed or frothed milk (oat or almond milk works well) and your preferred sweetener, if any.
Iced Matcha: Whisk 2 grams of matcha powder with a small amount of cold water. Pour over a glass filled with ice and cold water or milk for a refreshing beverage.
Koicha (Thick Tea): Use 4 grams of high-quality ceremonial matcha with 70 ml of 70-80°C water. This requires a much more vigorous whisking to combine the paste and water.

Comparison Table: Matcha Grades and Serving Sizes


Feature	Ceremonial Grade Matcha	Culinary Grade Matcha
Recommended Use	Traditional tea ceremonies, hot tea (usucha, koicha)	Lattes, smoothies, baking, cooking
Serving Size (Grams)	1 to 4g (1g for lighter tea, 4g for koicha)	2 to 4g (adjust for desired strength and taste)
Color	Bright, vibrant green	More muted, yellow-green
Taste Profile	Rich umami, naturally sweet, less bitter	More robust and bitter, designed to mix with other ingredients
Water Temperature	70-80°C (158-176°F)	Can tolerate slightly hotter water
Texture	Smooth and delicate	Slightly coarser texture

The Role of Personal Preference in Matcha Preparation

Ultimately, the number of grams you use for one matcha serving is a matter of personal preference. While standard measurements provide a great baseline, you should feel free to experiment to find your ideal strength and flavor. Some people prefer a lighter, more subtle matcha, while others crave a powerful, earthy cup. Factors like the quality of your matcha, the water temperature, and the liquid you mix it with will all impact the final taste. Starting with the recommended measurements for your specific grade of matcha will set you on the path to discovering your perfect cup.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Matcha Balance

Determining how many grams for 1 matcha requires understanding that it's a flexible measurement influenced by the type of matcha and desired drink. A standard starting point is 2 grams for a typical tea, but a range of 1 to 4 grams is common depending on your beverage. By experimenting with different ratios and using high-quality matcha, you can consistently prepare a delicious and satisfying cup. Precise measurement, whether with a scale or a bamboo scoop, is key to achieving optimal flavor and foam, making your matcha ritual a truly mindful experience.

For more in-depth information on matcha's composition and benefits, consider reviewing the comprehensive overview provided by the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ceremonial grade is made from the youngest, most vibrant green tea leaves, resulting in a smoother, sweeter, and less bitter flavor, making it suitable for traditional tea ceremonies. Culinary grade is made from slightly more mature leaves, giving it a more robust and slightly bitter profile that holds up well when mixed into lattes, smoothies, and baked goods.

For a matcha latte, a good starting point is 2 grams (about one teaspoon) of culinary or ceremonial grade matcha. However, you can adjust this amount depending on how strong you want the matcha flavor to be, sometimes using 3 to 4 grams for a more intense taste.

Yes, since you are consuming the entire ground tea leaf, a higher concentration of matcha powder will result in a higher caffeine intake. A standard 2-gram serving contains approximately 70mg of caffeine, but this can vary by brand and quality.

While a standard teaspoon can be used for an approximate measurement, it is not as precise as a proper scale or a bamboo scoop (chashaku). For traditional preparations like usucha or koicha, precision is key, and using a scale ensures you achieve the correct balance.

Lumps in matcha are typically caused by either not sifting the powder before whisking or using water that is too hot. To prevent lumps, sift the powder first and then whisk it with a small amount of warm water (not boiling) until a smooth paste is formed before adding more liquid.

Based on a standard 2-gram serving size for a thin tea, a 30-gram tin would contain approximately 15 servings. However, this number can vary depending on your personal preference for a stronger or weaker cup.

For optimal flavor and to avoid bitterness, the ideal water temperature for matcha is between 70-80°C (158-176°F). Water that is too hot can burn the delicate tea and destroy some of its nutrients.