How to Measure Matcha and Loose Leaf Tea Without a Scale
1 level teaspoon of sifted matcha weighs 2 grams, so 2 g of matcha equals 1 teaspoon. Convert matcha and loose leaf tea from grams to teaspoons and get the right brew ratio.
1 level teaspoon (tsp) of sifted matcha weighs 2 grams (g). Two grams of matcha equals 1 tsp, 3 g equals 1½ tsp and 4 g equals 2 tsp. Unsifted, packed matcha weighs up to 2.7 g per tsp.
Loose leaf tea weighs 1–4 g per teaspoon. Leaf size and leaf shape set the weight: rolled oolong weighs 3–4 g per tsp, and fluffy white tea weighs 1 g per tsp.
How to Measure Matcha Without a Scale
To measure matcha without a scale, sift the matcha first, then scoop and level a measuring teaspoon. Sifting breaks up clumps and gives a steady 2 g per level teaspoon.
| Matcha (g) | Teaspoons (sifted) | Chashaku scoops |
|---|---|---|
| 1 g | ½ tsp | 1 scoop |
| 2 g | 1 tsp | 2 scoops |
| 3 g | 1½ tsp | 3 scoops |
| 4 g | 2 tsp | 4 scoops |
| 5 g | 2½ tsp | 5 scoops |
| 10 g | 5 tsp (1⅔ tbsp) | 10 scoops |
A chashaku is a bamboo matcha scoop. One heaped chashaku scoop holds 1 g of matcha. The matcha calculator converts any amount using the unsifted density of 0.55 grams per milliliter (g/mL).
How Much Matcha per Cup?
Use 2 g (1 tsp) of matcha for a usucha (thin tea) bowl and 4 g (2 tsp) for a koicha (thick tea) bowl. Lattes use 2–3 g (1–1½ tsp) per 8 oz (240 mL) of milk.
| Drink | Matcha | Water or milk | Water temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usucha (thin tea) | 2 g (1 tsp) | 70 mL (2.4 oz) water | 165–175°F (75–80°C) |
| Koicha (thick tea) | 4 g (2 tsp) | 40 mL (1.4 oz) water | 165–175°F (75–80°C) |
| Matcha latte | 2–3 g (1–1½ tsp) | 240 mL (8 oz) milk | 30 mL water to whisk |
| Baking | 5–10 g (2½–5 tsp) | Per 250 g flour | Not applicable |
How to Measure Loose Leaf Tea in Teaspoons
To measure loose leaf tea in teaspoons, match the tea type to its weight per teaspoon:
| Tea type | 1 tsp weight | Teaspoons for 3 g |
|---|---|---|
| Black tea (broken leaf, CTC) | 3.0 g | 1 tsp |
| Black tea (whole leaf) | 2.2 g | 1⅓ tsp |
| Green tea (sencha) | 2.5 g | 1¼ tsp |
| Rolled oolong | 3.5 g | ¾ tsp |
| Open-leaf oolong | 1.8 g | 1⅔ tsp |
| White tea (Silver Needle) | 1.0 g | 3 tsp |
| Rooibos | 2.8 g | 1 tsp |
| Chamomile flowers | 0.7 g | 4¼ tsp |
The tea calculator uses an average loose leaf density of 0.45 g/mL (2.2 g per tsp).
How Many Grams of Loose Tea per Cup?
Use 2–3 grams of loose leaf tea per 8 oz (240 mL) cup. Two grams equals about 1 tsp of whole-leaf black tea or green tea.
There are 2 common brewing methods:
- Western style uses 2–3 g of tea per 240 mL of water for 3–5 minutes.
- Gongfu style uses 5–7 g of tea per 100 mL (3.4 oz) of water for 10–30 second steeps.
How Many Teaspoons Is 3 Grams of Loose Tea?
3 grams of loose tea is 1⅓ teaspoons of whole-leaf black tea. Three grams is 1 tsp of broken-leaf black tea and 3 tsp of white tea.
How to Store Matcha and Tea
To store matcha and tea, follow 3 rules:
- Keep matcha in an airtight tin in the refrigerator, and use opened matcha within 4–6 weeks.
- Keep loose leaf tea in an opaque, airtight container at room temperature for up to 12 months.
- Let refrigerated matcha reach room temperature before opening, so moisture does not form inside the tin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teaspoons is 2 grams of matcha?
2 grams of matcha is 1 level teaspoon, sifted.
How many teaspoons is 4 grams of matcha?
4 grams of matcha is 2 level teaspoons, the amount for 1 bowl of koicha.
How many teaspoons is 1 gram of matcha?
1 gram of matcha is ½ teaspoon, or 1 heaped chashaku scoop.
Is a teaspoon of tea leaves the same as 1 tea bag?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of loose black tea equals about 1 tea bag. A standard tea bag holds 2–3 g of broken-leaf tea.
Read the main grams to teaspoons guide for other powders.