SCA score explained simply – How coffee is rated

When discussing specialty coffee, the term SCA score often comes up. But what does it actually mean? And why is this number so important for coffee lovers and producers? In this blog post, we'll explain simply and clearly how the SCA score works and what role it plays in evaluating coffee.

What is the SCA score?

The SCA score is a rating scale from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) that measures the quality standard of coffee. It is rated on a scale of 0 to 100 points , with coffees scoring 80 points or higher being considered specialty coffee .

The higher the score, the better the quality. A coffee with 85 points, for example, is already a very high-quality specialty coffee, while varieties with 90+ points are among the absolute best coffees in the world.

How is coffee rated?

To ensure a coffee is fairly and objectively classified, it is tasted according to specific criteria. Professional coffee tasters – known as Q-graders – evaluate the coffee in a cupping (standardized tasting).

The most important evaluation criteria are:

• Aroma – how intense and complex does the coffee smell?
• Taste – how balanced is the interplay of flavors?
• Aftertaste – does a pleasant impression remain?
• Acidity – lively and fruity or disturbing and unbalanced?
• Body – how full-bodied does the coffee feel in the mouth?
• Balance – does everything fit together harmoniously?
• Sweetness and purity – is the coffee clear, clean and free of defects?

Each of these points is carefully assessed, and the overall score is calculated from these assessments.

What scores are there?

• 80–84.99 points : Good specialty coffee
• 85–89.99 points : Excellent specialty coffee
• 90–100 points : Outstanding coffee – absolutely top class

Anything below 80 points is no longer considered specialty coffee.

Why is the SCA score important?

The SCA score creates transparency for consumers and producers. For coffee farmers, a high score often means better prices for their beans. For you as a coffee lover, it's an indicator of quality – similar to a seal of approval.

Conclusion

The SCA score is a reliable quality indicator that helps you navigate the vast array of coffee varieties. The next time you see a score like 84 or 87 on a package, you'll know that this coffee has been professionally tested and belongs to the world of specialty coffees.