you need to put one scoop of coffee (which may measure 1 tbsp., I am not sure because I have a scooper) for each cup of coffee. You look on the side of the machine after you add water and see the water level, where it shows the number of cups that you put in. Then you add that many scoops of coffee. If the level shows 5 cups, then you add 5 scoops or 5 tbsp