2026-11-10 · 4 min read
Does a Higher SCA Score Mean a Higher Rating? Data
An SCA score is a cupper's 100-point verdict. A star rating is how the bag lands with drinkers. We lined them up for 38 coffees.
The Short Answer
Average Rating by SCA Score Band
| SCA score | Coffees | Average rating | Top rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 87 | 7 | 4.60 | 4.7 |
| 87 to 89.9 | 16 | 4.64 | 4.8 |
| 90 to 92.9 | 9 | 4.53 | 4.8 |
| 93 and up | 6 | 4.48 | 4.7 |
Only a minority of coffees publish an SCA score, so each band is small. Read the pattern as a hint rather than a rule. To learn how scores are earned, see what is a good cupping score and what is a Q Grader.
The Highest SCA-Scored Coffees and Their Ratings
| Coffee | Roaster | SCA score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panama Elida Estate | Dune Coffee Roasters | 95.0 | 4.7 |
| Naranjas Nadando | PT's Coffee Roasting Co. | 95.0 | 4.4 |
| El Salvador Jasal Orange Geisha Anaerobic Natural | Klatch Coffee | 94.0 | 4.7 |
| Belle Espresso | Klatch Coffee | 94.0 | 4.6 |
| Ethiopia Rumadamo Anaerobic Natural | Olympia Coffee Roasting Co | 94.0 | 3.8 |
| Dilla Alghe Washed | PT's Coffee Roasting Co. | 93.0 | 4.7 |
| Panama Finca Deborah Nirvana Geisha | Onyx Coffee Lab | 92.0 | 4.8 |
| Kenya Gichathaini AA | Heart Coffee Roasters | 92.0 | 4.7 |
See the full Highest SCA Score ranking, or score your own cup with the SCA cupping score calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a higher SCA score mean a higher rating?
Not really. Across 38 coffees with an official SCA score, the correlation with star rating is -0.31, which is weak. SCA scores run from 85 to 95 in our index.
Why would SCA score and star rating differ?
An SCA score comes from a trained cupper scoring a green or roasted sample on a standard form. A star rating reflects how the roasted coffee in the bag is received. Roast style, freshness and the tasting panel all shift the result.
What is a good SCA score?
Any coffee scoring 80 or above counts as specialty grade. Scores of 90 and above are rare and usually go to competition lots.
Should I buy by SCA score?
Treat it as one signal. Check the rating, the tasting notes and the roaster too.
How many coffees have an SCA score?
Only 38 of the 619 coffees in our index list an official SCA score, so treat these numbers as a small sample.