Scoop buying guide

Coffee scoop size: how big is a standard coffee scoop?

Short answer

A standard coffee scoop holds 2 tablespoons (30 ml, 1 fl oz) — 9–11 g of medium-ground coffee, enough for one 6 fl oz cup. Many coffee bags ship with a smaller 1-tablespoon (15 ml) scoop, which holds half as much.

Becutlery Published

Common coffee scoop sizes

Common coffee scoop sizes
ScoopVolumeGround coffee (level)Where it is used
1 teaspoon5 ml1.5–2 gTea, spices, sweeteners
1 tablespoon15 ml4.5–5.5 gSingle-serve bags, bag-clip scoops
Standard coffee scoop: 2 tablespoons30 ml9–11 gDrip coffee, French press, most coffee bags and tins
¼ cup60 ml19–21 gLarge batches, cold brew, powders

The weight depends on grind size, roast and how firmly the scoop is filled; weigh one scoop of your own coffee to know it exactly. For coffee per cup, see how many scoops of coffee per cup.

Is a coffee scoop a tablespoon?

A standard one is not. The traditional coffee scoop, also called a "coffee measure", is 2 tablespoons. A 1-tablespoon scoop is common in retail coffee bags because it is small enough to fit inside. Check the volume before you follow a recipe: with a 1-tablespoon scoop, use twice as many scoops.

How to check the size of your scoop

  1. Put a cup on a kitchen scale and zero it.
  2. Fill the scoop level with water and pour it in.
  3. Read the grams: 1 g of water is 1 ml. A 2-tablespoon scoop reads 29–30 g; a 1-tablespoon scoop reads 14–15 g.

Real scoop dimensions

Capacity alone does not tell you whether a scoop fits your bag or tin. These are the dimensions of our stock stainless steel scoops (length × bowl width × bowl height):

2 tablespoons (30 ml)

Real scoop dimensions
ModelDimensionsHandle
BS2521164 × 44 × 27 mmLong flat handle, reaches the bottom of tall bags
BS2522140 × 45 × 28 mmMedium handle
BS2523138 × 48 × 27 mmMedium handle, deep round bowl
BS2524123 × 49 × 23 mmShort handle
BS2544102 × 40 × 25 mmShort handle
BS252081 × 44 × 23 mmCompact, fits inside tins

1 tablespoon (15 ml)

Real scoop dimensions
ModelDimensionsHandle
BS2540174 × 37 × 24 mmLong handle with a bag clip that reseals the bag
BS2521146 × 36 × 23 mmLong flat handle
BS252498 × 43 × 20 mmShort handle

¼ cup (60 ml)

Real scoop dimensions
ModelDimensionsHandle
BS2534156 × 50 × 33 mmLong handle with hanging slot

All 58 stock models, from 1 ml to 100 ml, are in the scoop model catalog.

Choosing a scoop size for a coffee product

  • Match the scoop to your brewing instructions. If your bag says "1 scoop per cup", a 2-tablespoon scoop gives the standard 10 g.
  • Match the handle to the package. Long handles (140–175 mm) reach the bottom of tall bags; compact scoops (80–105 mm) fit inside tins and gift boxes.
  • Consider a bag clip. A clip scoop like BS2540 doubles as a bag closure.

FAQ

What is the standard size of a coffee scoop?

2 tablespoons (30 ml, 1 fl oz).

How many grams does a coffee scoop hold?

9–11 g of medium-ground coffee in a level 2-tablespoon scoop.

How many tablespoons is a coffee scoop?

2 tablespoons.

What size scoop comes in a coffee bag?

Often 1 tablespoon (15 ml), because it fits inside the bag. Check by weighing a scoop of water.

Is 30 ml the same as 2 tablespoons?

Yes. 2 US tablespoons are 29.6 ml.

For coffee brands

We make these scoops in 304 stainless steel (430 for budget programs), with your logo laser-marked on the handle. Minimum order is 100 pieces, and a stock model with your logo ships as a sample within 3 days. Request a quote or see custom coffee scoops.

Sources

  • National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST Handbook 44, Appendix C (1 tablespoon = 14.79 ml).
  • Becutlery scoop model drawings (dimensions measured on each model's drawing).