How Much Caffeine in a Tablespoon of Coffee?
Quick Answer
A tablespoon of ground coffee usually gives 60–70 mg of caffeine once brewed. The exact amount changes by coffee type. Espresso is about 60–70 mg per tablespoon. Cold brew is about 40–60 mg. Decaf is only 2–5 mg. Brew method, bean variety, roast level, and grind size all shape the final caffeine in your cup.
Key Takeaways
- Ground coffee averages about 60 mg caffeine per tablespoon when brewed.
- Espresso has more caffeine by volume than regular coffee.
- Lighter roasts often hold more caffeine than darker roasts.
- Robusta beans carry nearly twice the caffeine of Arabica beans.
- Brew time and water temperature directly change caffeine extraction.
- A common safe daily limit for most adults is 400 mg (about 4–6 cups).
Ever grab your coffee scoop, drop in a heaping tablespoon, and wonder how much caffeine you just added to your day? You may want a simple boost without late-night jitters. Or you track intake for health goals.
Knowing the caffeine in one tablespoon helps you plan. It also explains why one extra-strong mug can feel like a sprint.
What's Really in Your Coffee Scoop?
Coffee measurement can get confusing. Many coffee lovers toss in a scoop without knowing exactly how much caffeine they're adding to their day. Let's clear this up.
A standard tablespoon of ground coffee weighs approximately 5-7 grams. When brewed with about 6 ounces (180 ml) of water, this tablespoon yields roughly 60-70 mg of caffeine in your final cup.
But that's just an average. The actual amount varies tremendously based on several factors. Research published in the journal Nutrients found that coffees served in coffee shops contained about three times more caffeine than homemade versions, with some commercial servings exceeding 200 mg of caffeine in a single cup.
This wide variation explains why your homemade morning cup might affect you differently than the one from your local café.
Caffeine Content by Coffee Type
Different styles pull out caffeine in different ways, even from the same beans. Here’s how they compare by the tablespoon.
Regular Ground Coffee
A tablespoon of standard ground coffee (about 5–7 g) usually yields 60–70 mg of caffeine when brewed. In a 6–8 oz cup, that often lands near 95–120 mg total. This is the everyday range many people see at home.
Espresso
Espresso brings more punch per volume. A tablespoon holds about 60–70 mg of caffeine. Because espresso uses less water and smaller servings (about 1–2 oz), a single shot sits near 63 mg on average. The taste is bold, yet the measure per tablespoon stays in that same 60–70 mg band.
Cold Brew
A tablespoon used for cold brew adds about 40–60 mg. Cold brew steeps longer at room temperature, which changes extraction. A 16 oz cold brew can top 200 mg because it uses more total grounds to make a strong concentrate that you often drink in a larger glass.
Instant Coffee
Instant coffee often shows less caffeine per teaspoon than regular grounds. One teaspoon (about 2 g) can give 30–90 mg when mixed. A tablespoon of instant (three teaspoons) would be about 90–180 mg before you dissolve it. The final cup depends on how much powder you add to water.
Decaf Coffee
A tablespoon of decaf ground coffee has only 2–5 mg of caffeine. Decaf is not zero, but it is very low compared to regular. If you want the flavor with only a trace of caffeine, this is the closest match.
|
Coffee type / item |
Caffeine per tablespoon |
Notes (from content) |
|
Regular ground coffee |
60–70 mg |
Typical when brewed; 6–8 oz cups often 95–120 mg total. |
|
Espresso |
60–70 mg |
Single shot 63 mg on average due to small serving volume. |
|
Cold brew |
40–60 mg |
Long steep; 16 oz can top 200 mg because more grounds are used. |
|
Instant coffee |
90–180 mg (3 tsp) |
1 tsp (2 g) gives 30–90 mg; depends on how much powder you mix. |
|
Decaf coffee |
2–5 mg |
Very low; not zero. |
|
Arabica (bean type) |
60 mg |
Baseline used in article comparisons. |
|
Robusta (bean type) |
Up to 100–120 mg |
Nearly twice Arabica’s caffeine. |
Factors That Change Your Coffee's Caffeine Content
Many variables affect how much caffeine ends up in your cup from that tablespoon of coffee. Research published in Foods journal examined these factors in detail.
Coffee Bean Type
Robusta beans contain nearly twice the caffeine of Arabica beans. A tablespoon of 100% Robusta coffee could contain up to 100-120 mg of caffeine, compared to 60 mg for Arabica.
Most commercial coffees use Arabica or a blend of both types. Check your coffee packaging—if it doesn't specify, it's likely an Arabica blend.
Roast Level
Contrary to popular belief, lighter roasts actually contain slightly more caffeine than darker roasts. During the roasting process, beans lose water and expand, but caffeine remains relatively stable.
A tablespoon of dark roast beans contains fewer beans than the same tablespoon of light roast because dark roast beans are less dense. So, by weight, their caffeine content is similar, but by volume (tablespoon), light roasts deliver more caffeine.
Brewing Method
The way you prepare coffee dramatically changes how much caffeine gets extracted:
- French press: Extracts more caffeine due to longer contact time
- Drip coffee: Moderate extraction, dependent on filter type
- Espresso: High pressure creates concentrated caffeine
- Pour-over: Variable based on pour rate and technique
Water Temperature and Brewing Time
Hotter water extracts caffeine more efficiently. The ideal brewing temperature is 195-205°F (90-96°C).
Brewing time also matters—coffee steeped longer releases more caffeine. That's why cold brew, despite using cooler water, can contain substantial caffeine due to its 12+ hour steeping time.
Grind Size
Finer grinds increase the surface area exposed to water, allowing more caffeine extraction. A tablespoon of finely ground coffee will release more caffeine than the same amount of coarsely ground coffee.
Conclusion
A tablespoon of coffee has about 60–70 mg of caffeine when brewed. The exact amount shifts with bean type, roast level, brewing method, and a few other factors. Know these variables so you can guide your daily caffeine intake.
Measure the same way each time. Use a tablespoon or use weight on a scale. That habit gives you steadier caffeine and better-tasting coffee. For most healthy adults, up to 400 mg a day is within common guidance. That equals about 6–7 tablespoons of ground coffee when brewed.
If you feel sensitive to caffeine or have health concerns, try low-acid, organic options like Lifeboost Coffee. You get a smooth flavor with less stomach irritation. It helps people who love coffee but need to moderate their caffeine intake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does a tablespoon of instant coffee have the same caffeine as ground coffee?
No. Instant coffee usually has less caffeine. A tablespoon of instant coffee has about 30–90 mg. A tablespoon of ground coffee when brewed has about 60–70 mg.
Which has more caffeine, a tablespoon of light or dark roast coffee?
By volume, light roast has a bit more caffeine than dark roast because light roast beans are denser. By weight, they are nearly equal.
How many tablespoons of coffee should I use per cup?
For standard strength, use 1–2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6–8 oz cup of water. Adjust to taste. Use more for stronger coffee and less for a milder brew.
Does brewing method affect caffeine content from the same tablespoon of coffee?
Yes. Different methods pull out different amounts of caffeine. French press and espresso often extract more than drip from the same dose.
How much caffeine is in a tablespoon of decaf coffee?
A tablespoon of decaf coffee when brewed has only 2–5 mg of caffeine. That is about 97% less than regular coffee.
Can I measure caffeine content at home?
Not precisely without lab tools. Your best move is to use steady coffee-to-water ratios and rely on typical caffeine ranges for each coffee type.
About the Author
This article was written by the Lifeboost Coffee team based on current research into caffeine content in coffee. We used peer-reviewed studies from nutrition journals and food science publications to share accurate information about coffee and caffeine levels.
Disclaimer: Caffeine affects people differently. This information is for education only and is not medical advice. Talk with a healthcare provider about your caffeine use if you have health concerns or conditions.
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