Wait, how big is a "cup"?
On most US coffee makers, one "cup" line is only 5 oz of water (some brands use 6 oz), not a full 8-oz cup. So 12 cups on the carafe is about 60–72 oz of water, which fills about 7.5–9.0 standard 8-oz mugs.
| Strength | Ratio | Coffee (12 × 5 oz) | Coffee (12 × 6 oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stronger | 1:15 | 118 g · 24 tbsp | 142 g · 28 tbsp |
| Standard | 1:16 | 111 g · 22 tbsp | 133 g · 27 tbsp |
| Milder | 1:18 | 99 g · 20 tbsp | 118 g · 24 tbsp |
One standard coffee scoop holds about 2 level tablespoons (roughly 10 g). Weighing is more accurate, because grind size and roast change how much coffee fits in a spoon.
Brewing with a different method? See the drip ratio for 12 oz or the ratio calculator.
The Golden Ratios Poster · $34.99
Every brew method's ratio on one beautiful kitchen poster, so nobody has to look it up again.
Take a lookOther amounts
Questions people ask
How many scoops of coffee for 12 cups?
About 11.1 to 13.3 standard 2-tablespoon scoops.
How many tablespoons of coffee for 12 cups?
About 22 to 27 level tablespoons at a 1:16 ratio.
Numbers on this page are estimates calculated from the assumptions shown. Coffees, beans and drinks vary; caffeine figures are typical values, not medical advice.