How much loose-leaf tea per cup of water?

A standard medium-strength ratio is about 2–3 grams of loose-leaf tea per 250 ml (8 fl oz) of water, which is roughly 1 teaspoon. Robust teas like black or chai can use up to 3–4 g, while delicate whites may use as little as 1.5 g.

How many tea bags per cup?

One standard tea bag (typically 1.5–2 g of tea) is designed for one 200–250 ml cup. For a large mug (350+ ml) or a stronger brew, you may want two bags.

Does tea type affect the ratio?

Yes. Green and white teas are delicate and typically use less leaf per milliliter than black, oolong, or chai, which require more leaf to deliver a full-flavored cup.

What does brew strength mean?

Brew strength here refers to the leaf-to-water ratio, not steeping time. Weak uses roughly half the standard amount, medium is the standard ratio, and strong uses about 1.5× the standard amount.

How do teaspoons convert to grams for tea?

Tea density varies by leaf size and style, but a level teaspoon of most loose-leaf tea weighs approximately 2–3 grams. This calculator uses 2.5 g per teaspoon as a middle estimate.

Tea to Water Ratio Calculator

Name: Tea to Water Ratio Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter your water volume, select your tea type and brew strength, and get the exact amount of loose-leaf tea or tea bags needed.

Brewing Parameters

Water Volume

Tea Type

Brew Strength

Black tea: bold and full-bodied. Use boiling water (95–100°C / 200–212°F) and steep 3–5 minutes.

Tea Amount Needed

Loose-Leaf Tea

— g

— tsp

Tea Bags (standard 2 g bags)

— bag(s)

Brewing 250 ml of water at medium strength.

Quick Reference — Ratios per 250 ml (1 cup)

Tea Type	Weak	Medium	Strong	Steep Temp

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Summary

Enter your water volume, select your tea type and brew strength, and get the exact amount of loose-leaf tea or tea bags needed.

How it works

Enter the volume of water you are brewing with.
Select your unit: milliliters, fluid ounces, or cups.
Choose the tea type (green, black, white, oolong, herbal, or chai).
Pick your preferred brew strength: weak, medium, or strong.
The calculator shows the loose-leaf amount in grams and teaspoons, plus the equivalent number of tea bags.

Use cases

Brew the perfect pot of loose-leaf green or black tea at home.
Scale up tea quantities for a large teapot or urn at a gathering.
Figure out how many tea bags to use for a standard mug or travel cup.
Adjust brew strength without guessing — get exact measurements.
Compare loose-leaf vs. tea bag amounts before buying.
Dial in a consistent recipe for meal prep or batch brewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-01 · Reviewed by Nham Vu