How many tsp of matcha powder should I use? A guide to finding your perfect amount

November 20, 2025 •

3 min read

Matcha powder can have up to three times the antioxidant power of regular green tea. Discovering the right amount of matcha powder is key to unlocking its full flavor and health benefits.

Quick Summary

The appropriate amount of matcha powder varies depending on preparation style, desired strength, and personal preference. Key factors include matcha grade, the type of drink, and brewing method.

Key Points

Start with 1 tsp: 1 teaspoon (about 2g) is the standard starting point for a classic bowl of thin tea (usucha).
Double for intense flavor: Use 1.5-2 teaspoons of matcha powder for thick tea (koicha) or very strong lattes.
Match grade to use: Use ceremonial grade for pure tea and culinary grade for lattes, smoothies, or baking where flavor needs to be bolder.
Avoid boiling water: The ideal water temperature is around 175-180°F (80°C) to prevent bitterness.
Whisk or shake thoroughly: Sift the powder and use a chasen, electric frother, or shaker bottle to avoid clumps and achieve a frothy texture.
Adjust based on taste: Personal preference is the final guide. Experiment by adding more or less powder for a milder or stronger flavor.

The Standard Starting Point: Usucha (Thin Tea)

For a traditional bowl of usucha, or thin tea, the standard is:

1 teaspoon (approximately 2 grams) of matcha powder
2-3 ounces (about 60-80 ml) of hot water

This ratio is ideal for first-time drinkers or those who appreciate a lighter, more delicate flavor. To prepare, sift the matcha into your bowl, add the hot water (around 175°F or 80°C to prevent bitterness), and whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion with a bamboo whisk (chasen) until a fine froth forms.

Koicha (Thick Tea)

For a more intense and concentrated experience, known as koicha, double the amount of powder while using less water:

1.5 to 2 teaspoons (approximately 3-4 grams) of ceremonial grade matcha
1 to 1.7 ounces (about 30-50 ml) of hot water

This thick preparation requires the highest quality ceremonial-grade matcha due to its concentrated flavor profile. It is kneaded rather than whisked to a foam.

Adjusting for Popular Drinks

Beyond traditional tea, matcha's popularity in modern beverages calls for adjusted measurements.

Matcha Latte: For an 8-ounce latte, start with 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of matcha powder whisked with 2 ounces of hot water before adding 6 ounces of milk. Increase the matcha to 2 teaspoons for a robust taste.
Iced Matcha: Iced drinks require a slightly higher concentration to counteract dilution from ice. Use 1.5 teaspoons of matcha with a small amount of hot water to create a paste, then add cold water and ice.
Matcha Smoothie: For a single-serving smoothie, 1 teaspoon is a good starting point to add flavor and nutritional value without overpowering other ingredients like fruit and spinach.
Baking and Culinary Use: Recipes like cookies, cakes, or sauces benefit from culinary-grade matcha, which has a bolder flavor that stands up to other ingredients. The amount will depend on the recipe, but its robust taste is designed for this purpose.

The Role of Matcha Grade: Ceremonial vs. Culinary

The grade of matcha significantly impacts the appropriate dosage and flavor. The differences arise from the harvest time and processing methods.


Feature	Ceremonial Grade Matcha	Culinary Grade Matcha
Harvest	First spring harvest, young leaves	Later harvests, older leaves
Flavor	Naturally sweet, smooth, and deep umami	More robust, assertive, and sometimes bitter
Color	Vibrant, electric green	Muted olive-green to yellowish-green
Texture	Ultra-fine, silky powder from stone-grinding	Slightly coarser texture from machine-grinding
Ideal Use	Drinking on its own, especially for thin tea (usucha)	Mixed drinks, lattes, smoothies, baking, and cooking
Cost	More expensive due to meticulous processing	More affordable and widely available

For drinking straight, stick to ceremonial grade. Culinary grade is the budget-friendly and flavor-appropriate choice for everything else.

Expert Preparation Tips

Regardless of the ratio, a few universal tips can improve matcha-making skills:

Sift Your Powder: Matcha is prone to clumping, which can lead to a gritty texture. Sifting the powder with a fine-mesh sieve ensures a smooth, lump-free paste.
Watch the Temperature: Never use boiling water, as this can scorch the delicate tea leaves and create a bitter taste. The ideal temperature is between 175°F and 180°F (80°C). If you boil water, let it cool for about 5 minutes before using.
Master the Whisking: A bamboo whisk (chasen) is the traditional tool for achieving a frothy top. Use a quick 'M' or 'W' motion, keeping the whisk just below the surface of the water.
Alternative Mixing Methods: For a quick fix without a whisk, use a small, hand-held electric frother, a shaker bottle with a tight lid, or a blender.
Measure Accurately: While traditional scoops are used, a level teaspoon is a reliable measure for approximately 2 grams. For ultimate consistency, a small digital scale can be helpful.

For more detailed information on green tea's extensive properties, the National Institutes of Health provides insights into its potential health benefits, including antioxidant effects and cognitive function improvement, which are highly concentrated in matcha due to consuming the entire leaf.

Conclusion

There is no single correct answer to how many tsp of matcha powder should I use, as the ideal amount is subjective. 1 teaspoon for a traditional usucha is a great starting point for newcomers. From there, adjust the ratio based on personal taste preferences and the type of drink. Use high-quality ceremonial grade for pure enjoyment and a robust culinary grade for mixed beverages and recipes. With practice, the perfect balance will lead to a delicious and health-boosting cup every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

For an 8-ounce latte, start by whisking 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of matcha powder with a small amount of hot water. If you prefer a stronger, more pronounced matcha flavor to cut through the milk, increase the amount to 2 teaspoons.

Yes, the ideal amount depends on the grade. Ceremonial grade is more delicate and best for drinking straight, often using 1 teaspoon. Culinary grade has a more robust flavor that holds up better in mixed drinks, where you might use 1 to 2 teaspoons depending on the recipe.

If you don't have a chashaku, a standard measuring teaspoon can be used. A level teaspoon is roughly 2 grams. For exact measurements, a small kitchen scale is most accurate. You can also use a shaker bottle or electric frother for mixing.

For a milder, gentler flavor, reduce the standard amount from 1 teaspoon to about ½ to ¾ of a teaspoon. This is a good way for new drinkers to get used to the flavor. You can always add more powder incrementally if desired.

A single teaspoon of matcha powder contains approximately 70mg of caffeine, which is comparable to a shot of espresso. This caffeine is released slowly due to the presence of L-theanine, providing sustained energy without the jitters.

To prevent clumps, always sift matcha powder through a fine-mesh sieve before adding any liquid. This breaks up any settled powder and ensures a smoother, more even mixture.

Yes, it is safe for most healthy adults to drink matcha daily, as long as it fits within the recommended daily caffeine limit (typically 400mg). Many people in Japan consume several cups a day. For those sensitive to caffeine, starting with smaller amounts is recommended.

You may need to adjust the amount of matcha for iced drinks. Using slightly more powder (e.g., 1.5 tsp) for iced matcha ensures the flavor remains strong and isn't overly diluted by the ice.