How many tablespoons in 1 lb of ground coffee trying to figure out if better purchase or beans which gives you more coffee?

You can't directly convert pounds of ground coffee to tablespoons because the density of ground coffee varies. Here's why and what you can do:

The Problem:

* Grind Size: Finely ground coffee is denser than coarsely ground coffee.

* Moisture Content: Coffee beans naturally absorb some moisture, so the weight can fluctuate.

What You Can Do:

1. Use a Measuring Cup: The most reliable way to measure coffee is by volume. Use a standard 1-cup measuring cup (usually 8 fluid ounces). Most coffee recipes use a ratio of coffee to water, like 1 tablespoon of coffee to 2 ounces of water.

2. Approximate Conversion: If you absolutely need an estimate, you can use the following guidelines:

* Coarse Grind: 1 pound of coffee is roughly equivalent to 40-45 tablespoons.

* Medium Grind: 1 pound of coffee is roughly equivalent to 35-40 tablespoons.

* Fine Grind: 1 pound of coffee is roughly equivalent to 30-35 tablespoons.

Better Purchase: Beans or Ground?

* Beans: Generally, buying whole beans and grinding them yourself is preferred. This gives you more control over the grind size and freshness.

* Ground Coffee: Pre-ground coffee is convenient but may not be as fresh. If you're buying pre-ground, look for a bag with a one-way valve to help preserve freshness.

The Bottom Line:

Focus on measuring your coffee by volume (using a measuring cup) rather than trying to convert weight to tablespoons. Buying whole beans and grinding them yourself will likely result in a better tasting and fresher cup of coffee.