What quantity of coffee grounds do I need to make a 20-cup pot of coffee?

Assuming that a cup of coffee equals 6 ounces of water, a 20-cup pot of coffee requires between 20 and 40 tablespoons of ground coffee. Personal taste preferences determine the exact amount within that range.

Each brewing technique results in a different type of coffee that appeals to a certain palette. Regardless of a consumer's preferences, there are fundamental guidelines that will increase the quality of the finished product. Starbucks identifies four guiding principles for brewing a great cup of coffee: proportion, grind, water and freshness. The National Coffee Association USA extends these fundamentals to include equipment, water temperature and brewing time.