12oz vs 250g coffee bag: what’s the difference?

Confused between metric and imperial coffee bag sizes¹? You're not the only one.

A 12oz coffee bag² and a 250g bag³ are nearly the same in size—but they serve slightly different markets and coffee habits.

A coffee roaster from California once asked me to print both weights on the same pouch. Why? His wholesale buyers in Europe thought in grams, while his retail customers in the US expected ounces.

How many coffees does a 250g bag³ make?

How long will a 250g bag³ last?

A 250g bag³ makes around 25–30 cups of coffee, depending on how strong you like it and how much ground coffee you use per cup.

Most people use 8–10 grams per cup, which means a 250g bag³ can make about 28 single cups.

Dive Deeper: Espresso vs Filter vs French Press⁴?

Each brewing method uses different amounts of coffee:

If someone drinks two cups daily, a 250g bag³ lasts about 2 weeks.

What is the most common coffee bag size?

Which size do roasters use the most?

250g and 12oz are the most common standard sizes for retail coffee packaging. They're small enough for freshness, big enough for convenience.

In metric countries, 250g dominates. In the US and Canada, 12oz is the go-to retail bag size.

Dive Deeper: Why these sizes?

Coffee is a perishable product. Once opened, it begins to lose aroma and flavor. That's why:

• Retail bags tend to be under 500g
• Sizes like 250g or 12oz balance between daily use and product freshness
• They’re perfect for subscription models or weekly purchases

For cafes or bulk buyers, larger 1kg or 5lb bags are used.

How many cups of coffee are out of a 12 oz bag?

Does 12oz give more coffee than 250g?

A 12oz bag is roughly 340 grams, so it makes about 34–40 cups, depending on your brewing method.

That’s around 20% more coffee compared to a 250g bag³.

Dive Deeper: Ounce-to-gram conversion for coffee buyers

Here's a quick reference:

If you're a roaster exporting to different markets, it’s smart to label both grams and ounces on your coffee bags.

How big is a 12 ounce bag of coffee?

What are the dimensions of a 12oz bag?

Standard 12oz coffee bag²s come in stand-up pouch⁵ or flat bottom pouch⁶ styles. The actual size varies depending on material and shape.

A typical 12oz stand-up pouch⁵ is about 6.75” W x 11.25” H + 3.5” bottom gusset.

Dive Deeper: 12oz coffee bag² sizing guide

Flat bottom pouches take up less shelf space but offer strong branding areas. Stand-up pouches are more flexible and widely used in small-batch roasteries.

250g Coffee Bag dimensions

What does a 250g bag³ look like?

A standard 250g coffee bag usually comes in a stand-up or side-gusseted pouch format.

The size is roughly 5.1” W x 8.3” H x 3.1” G (130mm x 210mm x 80mm)

Dive Deeper: Does grind size affect the volume?

Yes. Ground coffee takes up less space than whole beans because it settles more tightly. So a 250g bag³ may appear slightly different in fullness depending on what’s inside.

Packaging tip: Always account for bulk density⁷ when designing your pouch. For example:

• 250g whole bean coffee ≠ 250g ground coffee in volume
• You might need a slightly larger bag for ground coffee to avoid overfilling

12 oz coffee bag Dimensions

Do 12oz coffee bag²s vary by material?

Yes, the structure and lamination layers affect pouch thickness and flexibility. A thicker foil-lined pouch will need slightly more height or gusset room.

Common dimensions for a 12oz bag (flat bottom): 4.75” W x 9.5” H x 3.25” G

Dive Deeper: Choosing between stand-up and flat bottom

Retail buyers often prefer flat bottom for premium appeal. Small roasters stick with stand-up pouch⁵es for flexibility.

Standard coffee bag weight

What’s the typical weight for coffee bags in retail?

In global coffee retail, standard weights are:

• 250g (Europe, Asia, Australia)
• 12oz (North America)
• 500g (Mid-size)
• 1kg (Wholesale or cafe use)

Weight standards depend on consumer habits and shelf-life expectations.

Dive Deeper: Regional bag size trends

Matching your packaging size to your market is just as important as the coffee inside.

500g coffee bag dimensions⁸s]

How large is a 500g coffee bag?

A 500g coffee pouch is about twice the volume of a 250g one. It can be a side-gusset pouch or a flat bottom bag.

Typical size: 6.3” W x 10.6” H x 3.5” G (160mm x 270mm x 90mm)

Dive Deeper: When to use 500g bags?

Use 500g bags if:

• You sell in bulk or B2B
• Your buyers are cafes or distributors
• Your product has a longer shelf life

For roasted beans, 500g is often seen as a "family size." For ground coffee, consider adding a one-way valve to preserve aroma longer.

Conclusion

12oz and 250g coffee bags are similar, but knowing their differences helps target the right market with the right packaging.