Hello from ICHIZEN. If you have ever wondered how much matcha to use for one cup, you are not alone.
As a simple starting point, use 2g of matcha with 60–70ml of hot water for a bowl of usucha, or thin matcha. If the flavor feels too strong or too light, adjust the water amount first before changing the matcha.
The basic cup: 2g matcha with 60–70ml water
For everyday thin matcha, 2g is a reliable guide. That is about two scoops with a chashaku, or a little less than one teaspoon, though the exact weight changes depending on how tightly the powder sits.
If you are just starting, it helps to weigh 2g once with a kitchen scale. Once your eye learns what 2g looks like, your daily preparation becomes much easier.
How the ratio changes by drink style
For usucha, or thin matcha
Use 2g matcha with 60–70ml of water at about 70–80°C. Choose 70ml for a lighter cup, or 60ml when you want more body and umami.
For koicha, or thick matcha
Koicha usually uses about 4g of matcha with around 30ml of water. Rather than whisking for foam, you knead it into a smooth, dense texture. Because the character of the tea is very clear, high-grade single-origin Uji matcha from Wakimoto Jokoen is especially well suited.
For matcha latte
For a latte, use 2–3g of matcha. Dissolve it first with about 30ml of hot water, then add 120–180ml of milk or plant-based milk. If the matcha feels too quiet, try using a little less milk before adding more powder.
Small adjustments when the taste feels off
Even with the same 2g, the taste changes with water temperature, water volume, and how smoothly the powder is mixed. If it tastes bitter, lower the water temperature slightly. If it tastes watery, reduce the water by about 10ml.
- Powdery texture: sift the matcha before whisking
- Too bitter: let the water cool to around 70°C
- Too thin: reduce the water by 10ml
If you would like to compare different expressions of matcha, you can browse ICHIZEN’s matcha collection and choose according to how you plan to drink it.
Start with 2g and 60–70ml, then gently adjust from there. Your perfect cup does not have to be exact every time. With a little practice, you will find the balance that feels right for you.
FAQ
How many teaspoons is one cup of matcha?
For thin matcha, one cup usually uses about 2g, or a little less than one teaspoon. Because matcha can pack differently, weighing it once is the most reliable way to learn the amount.
Does matcha taste bitter because I used too much powder?
Too much powder can make matcha strong, but bitterness can also come from water that is too hot, too little water, or clumps in the powder. Try water around 70–80°C.
How much matcha should I use for a matcha latte?
Use 2–3g of matcha per latte. Dissolve it well with a small amount of hot water first, then add 120–180ml of milk or plant-based milk.
How many grams are two chashaku scoops?
Two chashaku scoops are generally about 1.5–2g, but the exact amount depends on how you scoop and the condition of the powder. Weighing once helps you learn your own scoop.
