How much coffee for 24 fl oz?

December 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the 'golden ratio' for brewing coffee is a consistent, balanced standard. To figure out how much coffee for 24 fl oz, you'll need to use that ratio as a starting point and adjust for your specific brewing method and desired strength.

Quick Summary

This guide provides expert-recommended coffee-to-water ratios for brewing 24 fl oz, covering various methods like drip, French press, and cold brew. It details the precise measurements in grams and tablespoons, emphasizing that accurate weight is key for consistent flavor. Practical tips for adjusting ratios to achieve your preferred strength are also included.

Key Points

Golden Ratio: Aim for a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio for a balanced 24 fl oz brew.
Weight is Best: Use a scale for precision, targeting around 42.5 grams of coffee for 680 grams of water.
Method Matters: Ratios and grind sizes vary by brewing method; for French press, use a coarser grind, and for pour-over, a medium-fine grind.
Cold Brew Concentrate: For cold brew, use a higher coffee-to-water ratio (e.g., 1:8) and dilute the final concentrate.
Adjust for Strength: Use a tighter ratio (more coffee) for a stronger cup and a wider ratio (less coffee) for a milder one.
Water Temperature: For hot brewing, maintain a water temperature between 195-205°F for optimal extraction.
Tablespoon Approximation: If measuring by volume, approximately 8.5 tablespoons is a good starting point for 24 fl oz, but use weight for consistency.
Grind for your brew: Use a coarser grind for French press to avoid bitterness, and a medium grind for drip coffee.

Understanding the Golden Ratio for 24 fl oz

The universally recognized 'golden ratio' for brewing coffee is typically within the range of 1:15 to 1:18, meaning 1 part coffee grounds to 15 to 18 parts water by weight. Using a scale for measurements in grams is the most accurate way to ensure a consistent, delicious cup every time, as the volume of ground coffee can vary based on the bean and grind size. For 24 fl oz of water, which is approximately 680 grams (since 1 fl oz of water is about 28.35 grams), you will need to apply this ratio to find the ideal amount of coffee.

The Calculations: Grams vs. Tablespoons

To calculate the grams of coffee needed for 24 fl oz (680g) of water, you can use the golden ratio as a guide. For a standard 1:16 ratio, the calculation is straightforward: 680g (water) ÷ 16 = 42.5g of coffee. If you don't have a scale, you can approximate using tablespoons, but remember this method is less precise. A standard coffee scoop holds about 2 tablespoons, which is roughly 10 grams. Therefore, 42.5g is approximately 8.5 tablespoons.

Ratios and Recipes for Different Brew Methods

The ideal coffee-to-water ratio can shift slightly depending on your chosen brewing method, as each technique extracts flavor differently.

Drip Coffee Maker

For a standard drip machine, the 1:16 to 1:17 ratio works best for a balanced, medium-bodied cup.

For 24 fl oz (680g) of water: Use approximately 40 to 42.5 grams of ground coffee.
In tablespoons: This equates to around 8 to 8.5 tablespoons.

Pour-Over

With pour-over methods like a Chemex or V60, the goal is a clean, bright, and nuanced flavor profile. A ratio between 1:15 and 1:17 is often recommended.

For 24 fl oz (680g) of water: Start with about 40 to 45 grams of coffee.
In tablespoons: This is roughly 8 to 9 tablespoons.
Technique tip: Use a medium-fine grind and pre-wet the grounds (bloom) for 30 seconds before continuing your pour.

French Press

French presses produce a more full-bodied, robust brew due to the immersion process. A slightly stronger ratio of 1:15 is a great starting point for 24 fl oz.

For 24 fl oz (680g) of water: Aim for about 45 grams of coarse ground coffee.
In tablespoons: This is approximately 9 tablespoons.
Steeping time: Let the coffee steep for 3 to 4 minutes before plunging for optimal flavor extraction.

Cold Brew (Concentrate)

Cold brew is a slow, no-heat process that creates a smooth, low-acid concentrate that is later diluted. A higher coffee-to-water ratio is necessary here, often 1:4 to 1:8, depending on desired concentrate strength.

For 24 fl oz of water (for concentrate): Using a 1:8 ratio, you would need 85 grams of coarsely ground coffee (24 fl oz x 29.57 ml/fl oz ≈ 710 ml, 710g water ÷ 8 ≈ 88.75g coffee). Roughly 85 grams of coffee is equivalent to 17 tablespoons.
For concentrate using a 1:4 ratio: You would need 170 grams of coarsely ground coffee (710g water ÷ 4 ≈ 177.5g coffee). Roughly 170 grams of coffee is equivalent to 34 tablespoons.
Dilution: After steeping for 12 to 24 hours, dilute your concentrate with water or milk, usually in a 1:1 ratio, before drinking.

Comparison of Brewing Methods for 24 fl oz


Brewing Method	Target Ratio (Coffee:Water)	Grams of Coffee (for 24 fl oz water)	Tablespoons of Coffee (approx.)	Typical Flavor Profile
Drip	1:16 - 1:17	40 - 42.5g	8 - 8.5 Tbsp	Balanced, Medium-bodied
Pour-Over	1:15 - 1:17	40 - 45g	8 - 9 Tbsp	Clean, Bright, Nuanced
French Press	1:15	45g	9 Tbsp	Full-bodied, Rich, Robust
Cold Brew	1:4 - 1:8 (for concentrate)	85 - 170g (diluted after)	17 - 34 Tbsp (diluted after)	Smooth, Low-acid, Rich

The Importance of Grind Size and Water Quality

Grind Size: Matching your grind size to your brew method is just as important as the ratio. A coarse grind is needed for a French press to prevent sediment and over-extraction, while a medium or medium-fine grind is ideal for drip and pour-over to allow for proper extraction time. A fine grind can clog filters and lead to a bitter brew.

Water Quality: Water comprises over 98% of your final cup, so its quality is crucial. Using filtered water ensures your coffee's flavor is not tainted by tap water's minerals or additives. Furthermore, maintaining the correct water temperature—between 195°F and 205°F (90-96°C) for hot brewing—is essential for optimal extraction. For cold brew, cold or room-temperature water is required.

Conclusion

Ultimately, finding the answer to 'how much coffee for 24 fl oz' is a journey of precision and personal taste. Start with the recommended golden ratio—approximately 42.5 grams or 8.5 tablespoons for a medium strength—and adjust from there based on your preferred brew method and flavor profile. Using a digital scale is the most reliable way to achieve consistency and unlock the best possible flavor from your beans. Experiment with grind size, water quality, and different ratios to tailor your perfect 24 fl oz cup of coffee.

Troubleshooting for a better brew

If your coffee is too weak or sour:

Adjust the ratio: Use a tighter ratio (more coffee relative to water), for example, from 1:17 to 1:16.
Change the grind: Try a finer grind size, which increases the surface area for extraction.
Check the temperature: For hot brewing, ensure your water is in the 195-205°F range.

If your coffee is too strong or bitter:

Adjust the ratio: Use a wider ratio (less coffee relative to water), for example, from 1:15 to 1:16.
Change the grind: Try a coarser grind size.
Check the temperature: For hot brewing, avoid using water that is too hot, as it can cause over-extraction.

Elevate your brewing experience

To consistently produce high-quality coffee, consider investing in the right equipment. A digital scale, a coffee grinder, and a good-quality kettle with temperature control can significantly improve your results. The right tools, combined with a precise understanding of your coffee-to-water ratio, will help you craft the perfect cup every time.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Always refer to your specific equipment and coffee bean recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Using a ratio of approximately 1:16, 8 tablespoons (roughly 40 grams) for 24 fl oz of water will produce a slightly lighter, balanced cup of coffee. You can adjust by a tablespoon or two depending on your preferred strength.

For a French press, use a slightly stronger 1:15 ratio. This means you should use approximately 45 grams of coarse ground coffee for 24 fl oz of water, which is about 9 tablespoons.

For 24 fl oz of water, you would use between 8 to 9 tablespoons of ground coffee for a standard drip or pour-over brew, depending on your preferred strength. This is an approximate measurement and can vary based on the grind and roast.

No, different brewing methods require different ratios and grind sizes to achieve optimal flavor extraction. Cold brew requires a much higher coffee-to-water ratio for concentrate, while pour-over needs a more balanced ratio.

Measuring by weight (grams) is more accurate because the volume of coffee grounds can vary significantly based on grind size, roast level, and bean density. This ensures you have the correct coffee-to-water ratio consistently, regardless of these variables.

Using too much coffee can lead to a brew that is over-extracted, resulting in a bitter, strong, and potentially unpleasant taste. It can also clog filters in methods like pour-over.

For a milder cup, you can use a wider coffee-to-water ratio, such as 1:18 or 1:20. For 24 fl oz of water, this would be closer to 38 grams (7.5 tablespoons) of ground coffee.

Start with a baseline ratio, like 1:16, using a kitchen scale for precision. Brew a cup, taste it, and then make small, incremental adjustments to the ratio until you find your preferred strength and flavor profile.