Coffee Grade Classification

Coffee grading evaluates green bean quality by screen size (measured in 1/64-inch increments, e.g. screen 18 = 18/64 inch), defect count per 300 g sample, moisture content, and altitude. Specialty grade requires at most 5 Category 1 defects and zero quakers. Ethiopia uses Grade 1-5, Kenya uses AA/AB/PB/C/E, Colombia uses Excelso/Supremo. Grading determines price and export eligibility and helps roasters predict roast development.