What Is the Coffee Cup Score and Why It Matters
If you’ve ever browsed a bag of specialty coffee and noticed a number like “87.5” or “90+” printed on the label, you’ve come across a coffee cup score — a quality grading system that helps define how exceptional (or average) a coffee is.
But what does this score actually mean? Who decides it? And how does it help you as a coffee drinker?
Let’s explore the world of coffee scoring and why it plays such a crucial role in the specialty coffee industry.
The coffee cup score is a number on a scale from 0 to 100 that reflects the quality of a coffee, based on a detailed sensory evaluation. This score is typically assigned by trained professionals called Q Graders, using standardized protocols created by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).
Only coffees that score 80 points or higher are considered “specialty grade.”
Scores are assigned by licensed Q Graders, who are certified through rigorous training and exams. These professionals use their palate, experience, and a standardized cupping form to evaluate:
Each characteristic is scored, and the combined total creates the final cup score.
Cupping is a formal tasting process. Here’s how it works:
Cupping is done blindly to avoid bias — tasters don’t know the origin or brand.
| Score Range | Classification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 90–100 | Outstanding | Rare, exceptional flavor, top-tier coffee |
| 85–89.99 | Excellent | High complexity, clean, sweet, distinctive |
| 80–84.99 | Very Good | Balanced, pleasant, meets specialty standard |
| Below 80 | Not Specialty Grade | May be commercial grade or defective |
A coffee scoring 87+ is usually limited edition or micro-lot and often priced at a premium. Coffees in the 90+ range are rare and celebrated — like the “grand crus” of the coffee world.
It provides a consistent way to evaluate quality across regions and farms. Buyers use the score to:
Scoring gives producers feedback on how their coffee performs and where improvements can be made. Higher scores often mean:
Programs like the Cup of Excellence are built around cupping and scoring — winning coffees fetch record prices at auction.
Understanding cup scores helps you:
Just like wine ratings, cup scores guide enthusiasts toward memorable and unique experiences.
While cup scoring is useful, it’s not everything. Here’s why:
So while the score is helpful, it should be just one factor in your decision — not the only one.
Not all roasters publish cup scores, but many do — especially those that work with microlots or direct trade relationships. Look for:
You can also find scores on platforms like:
The coffee cup score isn’t just a number — it represents the work, skill, and passion behind every bean. It gives you insight into how exceptional a coffee really is, and helps connect you to the people who made it possible.
Whether you’re chasing a rare 90+ microlot or just looking for a solid 84-point daily brew, understanding the score helps you appreciate coffee not just as a beverage — but as an art form.
Gabriel Rodrigues é especialista em finanças pessoais e escritor, com ampla experiência em economia, planejamento financeiro e gestão de recursos. Apaixonado por ajudar as pessoas a alcançarem sua saúde financeira, ele explora temas variados, desde investimentos até estratégias de poupança. Quando não está escrevendo, você pode encontrá-lo estudando novas tendências financeiras e oferecendo consultoria para quem busca melhorar sua relação com o dinheiro.
