How many grams of matcha per cup? The perfect dosage
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Dosing is one of the most frequent questions from beginners. And for good reason: too little powder and the drink has no character. Too much and it becomes flat and bitter.
Basic Dosing: Usucha
Usucha (薄茶, "light tea") is the standard preparation for Japanese matcha. The dose: 1.5 to 2 grams of powder for 60 to 80 ml of water.
In practice, a chashaku spoon (the traditional bamboo spoon) represents about 1 gram. Two chashaku = 2g. Simple.
Koicha: The Thick Matcha of Ceremonies
Koicha (濃茶, "thick tea") is the version used in official Japanese ceremonies. Dose: 3 to 4 grams for 40-50 ml of water. The texture is thick, almost like a syrup. Reserved for very high-quality matchas and connoisseurs.
Dosing by Preparation Type
- Pure matcha bowl (usucha): 1.5-2g for 70-80ml
- Matcha latte: 2-2.5g for 30ml water + 150-200ml milk
- Iced matcha: 1.5-2g for 30ml hot water, then ice cubes
- Matcha smoothie: 1-1.5g (other ingredients mask the taste a bit)
- Baking recipe: 5-15g depending on the recipe and desired quantity
Tip: Weigh it the first time. A kitchen scale accurate to 0.1g will allow you to calibrate your eye. After a few preparations, you'll recognize the quantity visually and won't need it anymore.
Adjusting Dosing to Your Caffeine Tolerance
If you are sensitive to caffeine or new to matcha: start with 1g and gradually increase. The effect is real even at a low dose thanks to L-theanine.
If you are used to several coffees a day: 2g will be a modest dose. You can go up to 3g in a pure bowl without a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 30g bag, how many cups?
At 2g per cup, a 30g bag yields about 15 cups. At 1.5g, you get 20 cups.
Can you make matcha without a scale?
Yes — a chashaku spoon represents about 1g. Two spoons = standard dose for a good bowl.
