How Much Ground Coffee Does 1 Cup of Whole Beans Produce?

For coffee lovers who buy whole bean coffee, an important question is how much ground coffee you get from a certain amount of whole beans. Knowing bean to ground ratios helps you plan how much coffee to purchase and brew.

When measuring coffee, weight is more accurate than volume. But when you don’t have a scale handy, volume conversions can be useful

So how much ground coffee does 1 cup of whole beans make?

The Whole Bean to Ground Coffee Ratio

In my testing, I found that 1 cup of whole bean coffee produces approximately 1 cup of ground coffee.

The ratios were nearly identical when measuring volume This surprised me, as I expected the grinding process to decrease the bean’s size and increase how much fits into a cup.

But whole beans have air pockets that are removed upon grinding. So ground coffee compacted into the same space.

I tested this by:

• Measuring 1 cup of whole bean coffee into a measuring cup
• Grinding the beans at a medium grind size
• Returning the now ground coffee to the same measuring cup

The ground coffee came to nearly the exact 1 cup line again.

So the standard volume ratio is:

1 cup whole beans = 1 cup ground coffee

This 1:1 ratio held up across a few trials with different bean varieties like light roast, dark roast, and espresso.

Weight Measurements Are Most Accurate

While 1 cup is approximately the same pre-ground and post-grind, weight measurements are more precise.

Cup measurements can vary based on factors like:

• Bean size – larger beans take up more space
• Roast level – darker roasts are less dense
• How coarsely it’s ground – finer grinds compact more
• How you fill and level off the measuring cup

To remove this variation, use a kitchen scale to weigh whole beans versus ground coffee.

Here are some example bean to ground weights:

• 100g whole beans = 96g ground coffee
• 200g whole beans = 192g ground coffee
• 1 pound (450g) whole beans = 432g ground coffee

As you can see, the weight decreases slightly from whole to ground. This is due to small amounts of coffee powder and fragments that separate during grinding.

For complete accuracy, always weigh your coffee.

Factors That Impact Volume to Weight Ratios

Several factors can alter how much ground coffee fills a measuring cup compared to whole beans.

Type of Bean

Bean size, shape, density, and moisture impact weight versus volume. For example:

• Arabica vs robusta: Robusta beans are generally smaller, less dense, and more rounded compared to larger, denser arabica. 1 cup robusta beans weighs about 7 grams less than 1 cup arabica, on average.

• Regional differences: Bean size and moisture varies by where they’re grown. For example, Brazilian and Indian beans tend to be smaller than Central American.

• Altitude: Higher altitude beans are typically smaller and denser than low altitude. A cup of high grown Arabica can weigh 10% more than low grown.

Roast Level

Darkness of the roast changes bean density and moisture:

• Light roasts are the most dense and dry. They have the highest bean weight to volume ratio.

• Dark roasts are less dense as they become drier during roasting. A cup weighs 5-15% less than light roast.

Coarseness of Grind

Finer grinds compact more into a cup than coarse:

• Fine espresso grind fills about 10% more per cup than medium grind.

• Extra coarse French press grinds take up 20% less space than medium.

Converting Cups to Grams of Coffee

While weight is ideal, volume measurements are still handy for brewing without a scale.

Here are some guidelines for whole bean to ground coffee by volume:

• 1 cup whole beans = 1 cup ground coffee (±2-5%)
• 1⁄2 cup whole beans = 1⁄2 cup ground coffee
• 1⁄4 cup whole beans = 1⁄4 cup ground coffee

And weight conversions:

• 1 cup whole beans = 110-140 grams (dependent on above factors)
• 1⁄2 cup whole beans = 55-70 grams
• 1⁄4 cup whole beans = 27-35 grams

For accuracy, weigh your own whole beans to create a customized conversion chart.

Measuring methods can vary, so these guides provide a helpful starting point. Weighing ensures consistency and accuracy for perfect coffee every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ground coffee weigh more than whole bean?

Ground coffee weighs slightly less than whole beans, since small amounts are lost in the grinding process. But cup measurements are nearly equal pre and post-grind.

What is the ratio of ground to whole bean coffee?

The standard volume ratio is 1:1 – meaning 1 cup whole bean produces 1 cup ground coffee. By weight, ground coffee weighs about 4-8% less than whole beans of an equal volume.

Why does coffee weigh less after grinding?

Tiny coffee fragments separate when the beans are ground. This bean powder accounts for the small loss in weight post-grinding.

How many grams in a cup of coffee beans?

The weight of a cup of whole bean coffee ranges from 110-140 grams on average. Weight varies depending on the bean varietal, roast, and other factors. Measuring your specific beans is the best way to customize the conversion.

Does light or dark roast weigh more?

Light roasts generally weigh more than dark roasts. Longer roasting removes moisture, decreasing the bean’s density and overall weight. Exact amounts vary across roasts and bean types.

Achieve Coffeehouse Results by Weighing Your Grounds

While slightly less convenient than measuring by volume, weighing your coffee is worth the extra effort. You’ll brew consistently delicious cups when you eliminate the variation of “cups” of grounds.

Invest in an affordable coffee scale to step up your home brewing game. Take the guesswork out of portioning. Dial in the perfect water to coffee ratio for the ideal extraction and flavor every time.