1. Brewing by Ratio

A common tea-to-water ratio for brewing is 1:50, meaning 1 gram of tea leaves to 50 milliliters of water (Oolong tea and compressed teas are exceptions, often using a ratio of about 1:30). This helps estimate how much dry tea to use—for example, for a 400ml pot, about 8 grams of tea would be appropriate. However, beginners may struggle to estimate milliliters and grams. Without precise tools, using a volume-based method for measuring tea leaves is a good alternative. Below, we will explain using the common gaiwan as an example.

2. Brewing by Volume

● Green tea and Yellow tea:

Generally, green and yellow teas are considered the most tender tea categories. They are also rolled, which allows their contents to infuse quickly. When brewing in a gaiwan, use just enough leaves to cover the bottom. Remember two points: first, do not cover with the lid, as it can stew the tea and ruin the flavor; second, water that is too hot can scorch the leaves, making the tea bitter and astringent, but water that is too cool won't release the aroma fully. The ideal temperature is usually 90–95°C, with slight adjustments as needed.

● Red tea:

Small-leaf red tea: Keemun black tea. Large-leaf red tea: Yunnan black tea.

The amount of red tea is similar to green tea, roughly covering the bottom of the gaiwan, though slightly more can be used. Red tea is divided into large-leaf and small-leaf varieties. Keemun and Sichuan black teas are small-leaf, while Yunnan black tea is large-leaf. Large leaves take up more volume, so use more when brewing. For broken black tea (common internationally), which infuses very quickly and isn't prized for multiple infusions, use about half the amount.

● Oolong tea:

There are many types of oolong tea, but they can broadly be categorized into strip-style and ball-style. For strip-style oolong, use about 1/5 to 1/3 of the gaiwan's capacity. For ball-style oolong, just cover the bottom. Ball-style oolongs unfurl slowly, so a quick rinse is often used to open the leaves. As a semi-fermented tea, boiling water is essential to fully release its aroma and flavor, especially for high-mountain oolongs. Using lukewarm water is almost wasteful.

● Compressed tea:

For compressed tea (like pu-erh cakes), use about 1/5 of the gaiwan's capacity. Some tightly compressed teas are very dense, so you can slightly reduce the amount. A rinse is often used to help the leaves open. Note: There's a saying, "For teas under three years old, brew with the lid off; for those over three years, brew with the lid on." This is because younger compressed teas are less fermented and can be stewed like green tea if covered, while older teas have undergone more post-fermentation and aren't as susceptible.

● White tea:

Since white tea is not rolled but simply withered and dried, the dry leaves are generally light and fluffy. Use a larger volume: for loose-leaf white tea, fill about 3/4 or 1/2 of the gaiwan; for white tea cakes, about 1/5 is sufficient. White tea is perhaps the most forgiving tea to brew—hard to ruin. If you lack confidence or need to impress, choose white tea!

3. Tea Amounts for Other Brewing Methods

Besides common brewing methods, some unconventional approaches also have guidelines.

For example, bowl brewing—since you use a ladle to serve the tea and adding water is slow, with leaves constantly steeping, even with a large bowl, don't use too much tea, or the brew will become too strong.

For milk tea—the most common blended tea—use a ratio of about 1:30. Since milk is added, brew the tea stronger to allow customization for more milk or more tea flavor.

For cold brew tea—steeped in cold water for a long time (even overnight in summer)—use less tea. For all non-compressed teas, just enough to cover the bottom of the container (like a glass bottle) is sufficient. For compressed tea, use even less to avoid an overly strong brew.

Brewing tea is a process of gaining experience. Proficiency doesn't mean rigid rules but rather the freedom to enjoy tea more casually. With practice, you'll find the perfect amount for your own taste.

A cup of clear tea, a decade's worldly dreams.

No matter how busy life gets,

there can always be a cup of tea at hand.

Beyond quenching thirst, it nourishes the heart.

In a certain moment,

days with tea are good days...