2026-10-29 · 5 min read
What Is a Good Coffee Cupping Score? SCA Points Explained
Every specialty coffee bag may carry a number from 80 to 100. Here is what it means, and how real scored coffees spread out.
The Short Answer
The SCA 100-Point Scale
| Score | What it means |
|---|---|
| 90 to 100 | Outstanding. Rare, complex and flawless. |
| 85 to 89.99 | Excellent. Clear standout flavors and clean cup. |
| 80 to 84.99 | Very good. The floor for specialty grade. |
| Below 80 | Not specialty grade. Commercial or defective lots. |
Trained Q Graders score ten attributes, such as aroma, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body and balance, then subtract points for defects. Try it yourself with the SCA cupping score calculator.
How Scored Coffees in Our Index Spread Out
| Score band | Coffees |
|---|---|
| 95 and up | 2 |
| 90 to 94.9 | 13 |
| 85 to 89.9 | 23 |
| Below 85 | 0 |
Only 38 of our 619 coffees publish an SCA score, so treat this as a sample, not the whole market.
Highest-Scored Coffees
| Coffee | Roaster | SCA score |
|---|---|---|
| Panama Elida Estate | Dune Coffee Roasters | 95 |
| Naranjas Nadando | PT's Coffee Roasting Co. | 95 |
| Ethiopia Rumadamo Anaerobic Natural | Olympia Coffee Roasting Co | 94 |
| El Salvador Jasal Orange Geisha Anaerobic Natural | Klatch Coffee | 94 |
| Belle Espresso | Klatch Coffee | 94 |
Not sure what you like? Try the taste troubleshooter or the flavor wheel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good coffee cupping score?
Any coffee that scores 80 or higher on the SCA 100-point scale counts as specialty grade. Scores of 85 and up are excellent, and 90 and up are exceptional and rare.
What does a cupping score of 90 mean?
A 90 is outstanding: very clean, complex and sweet, with no defects. Coffees at this level are usually small lots from top farms and often cost more.
Who gives coffees an SCA score?
Trained tasters called Q Graders score a coffee on ten attributes, including aroma, flavor, acidity and balance, using the Specialty Coffee Association protocol.
Is a higher cupping score always better to drink?
Not always. The score rates quality on a standard protocol, not your taste. A 86 that suits your brew method can beat a 92 you find too acidic.
How can I score coffee myself?
Use our SCA cupping score calculator to enter the ten attributes and get a final score and grade.