This post aims to guide you on how many beans can fit into one espresso shot.
Before we will start counting the beans let’s think about how many grams of grounded coffee is needed for an espresso shot:
- A single shot of espresso typically requires about 7 to 10 grams of coffee grounds, which is roughly equivalent to 1/4 ounce or 1 tablespoon of ground espresso beans.
- A double shot of espresso requires 16 to 18 grams of coffee.
- And a triple shot of espresso requires around 20 to 22 grams of ground coffee.
Now we have our baseline established so let’s jump to measurements.
How Many Coffee Beans Go Into Making an Espresso
In this experiment, I just used my kitchen scale and the dark roast espresso beans I’m drinking at the moment, but be aware that the exact number of whole espresso beans required for a shot may vary depending on the size, density of the beans, and the roasting level (the darker the roast the lighter beans will be).
As you can see you need 66 beans for 7 grams of coffee (the weight of grounded coffee is not much different from the weight of coffee beans), which roughly gives you 9.4 beans per 1g
Now we can do super easy math and see that:
- You need approximately 66 to 95 coffee beans for a single shot of espresso.
- Between 150 and 169 coffee beans for a double shot of espresso
- And 188 to 205 coffee beans if you want to make triple espresso.
| Espresso type | Grams required | How many beans |
| Single espresso | 7 to 10g | 66 to 95 |
| Double espresso | 16 to 18g | 150 to 169 |
| Triple Espresso | 20 to 22g | 188 to 205 |
How Many Espresso Shots Is In a KG of Beans
The number of espresso shots that can be made from a kilogram of coffee beans will depend on several factors, such as the size of the shot, the grind size, and the coffee-to-water ratio used in the brewing process.
Assuming a standard single shot of espresso, which requires about 7 to 10 grams of coffee grounds, you could make approximately 100 to 142 espresso shots from a kilogram of beans (1000 grams / 7 grams per shot = 142.857).
If single espresso doesn’t work on you then obviously you want to know the measurements for something stronger. In this case, you can count on 55 to 63 strong double espresso shots (1000 grams / 16 grams per shot = 62.5)
If you are a fan of triple espresso then you will squeeze as much as 45 to 50 shots from every 1kg bag of espresso coffee beans.
Now that you know all the measurements I just wanted to write a few things about why the right amount of coffee beans is important for preparing a perfect espresso
Why The Right Amount of Coffee Beans is Important For Espresso
Using the right amount of coffee beans is crucial for making a perfect shot of espresso because it directly affects the quality and flavor of your shot. Here are some reasons why it’s important to use the right amount of coffee beans:
Consistency: Using the right amount of coffee beans ensures consistency in the flavor and strength of the espresso shot. If too few beans are used, the shot may be weak and watery, while using too many beans can result in a bitter and over-extracted shot.
Proper Extraction: The correct amount of coffee beans ensures that the espresso is properly extracted. Under-extraction, which occurs when too few beans are used, can result in a shot that is weak and sour. Over-extraction, which occurs when too many beans are used, can result in a shot that is bitter and burnt-tasting.
Aroma and Flavor: The right amount of coffee beans helps to produce the desired aroma and flavor in the shot of espresso. Too few beans may produce a shot that lacks complexity and depth of flavor while using too many beans can result in an overpowering taste.
Recommendations for making the perfect espresso shot:
Use freshly roasted coffee beans: Freshly roasted coffee beans will produce a more flavorful and aromatic shot of espresso. Try to use coffee beans that have been roasted within the last 2-4 weeks.
Grind the beans just before brewing: Grinding the beans just before brewing will ensure maximum freshness and flavor. Use a high-quality burr grinder to achieve a consistent grind size.
Use the correct water temperature: The ideal water temperature for brewing espresso is between 195°F and 205°F (90°C to 96°C). Too low of a temperature can result in under-extraction, while too high of a temperature can result in over-extraction.
Use the correct pressure and extraction time: The ideal pressure for brewing espresso is between 8 and 10 bars, and the ideal extraction time is between 25 and 30 seconds. Adjust these settings if necessary to achieve the perfect shot.
Practice and experiment: Making the perfect shot of espresso takes practice and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to adjust your technique and try new things to find the perfect balance of flavor, aroma, and texture.
My final thoughts
Now you know how many espresso beans are required to make one espresso and you roughly know how many cups of espresso you can count on when buying a 1kg bag of coffee beans.
