Coffee Ratio Calculator
Calculate the perfect coffee to water ratio for your preferred brewing method
Your Perfect Brew
How to Use This Coffee Ratio Calculator
Follow these simple steps to calculate the perfect coffee to water ratio for your preferred brewing method:
Choose from popular brewing methods like French Press, Pour Over, AeroPress, Drip Coffee, Espresso, or Cold Brew.
Input the amount of coffee grounds in grams. A standard starting point is 15-20 grams for a single cup.
Enter how many cups you want to brew. The calculator will adjust the water amount accordingly.
Select your preferred strength: Mild, Medium, or Strong. This adjusts the coffee to water ratio.
Click calculate to get your perfect measurements, then follow the recommended grind size and brew time.
Understanding Coffee to Water Ratios
The coffee to water ratio is one of the most important factors in brewing great coffee. Getting this ratio right can mean the difference between a perfectly balanced cup and one that's either too weak or too strong.
What is Coffee Ratio?
Coffee ratio refers to the relationship between the amount of coffee grounds and water used in brewing. It's typically expressed as a ratio like 1:15 or 1:17, where the first number represents coffee and the second represents water.
Why Coffee Ratios Matter
Using the correct coffee to water ratio ensures proper extraction of flavors from the coffee grounds. Too much water results in weak, under-extracted coffee, while too little water creates bitter, over-extracted coffee.
Standard Coffee Ratios by Brew Method
Different brewing methods require different coffee to water ratios for optimal extraction. Here are the standard ratios for popular brewing methods:
- Pour Over: 1:15 to 1:17 ratio (60-65g coffee per liter)
- French Press: 1:12 to 1:15 ratio (67-83g coffee per liter)
- AeroPress: 1:12 to 1:16 ratio (62-83g coffee per liter)
- Drip Coffee: 1:15 to 1:18 ratio (55-67g coffee per liter)
- Espresso: 1:1.5 to 1:2.5 ratio (very concentrated)
- Cold Brew: 1:4 to 1:8 ratio (concentrate that's diluted later)
Frequently Asked Questions
The Specialty Coffee Association recommends a golden ratio of 1:18 (55 grams of coffee per liter of water) as a good starting point for most brewing methods, though personal preference may vary.
For 2 standard cups (approximately 500ml total), you'll typically need 28-34 grams of coffee depending on your preferred strength and brewing method. Use our calculator above for precise measurements.
While possible, we recommend using grams for accuracy. One tablespoon of coffee is approximately 5-7 grams, but this can vary based on grind size and coffee density. For consistent results, use a kitchen scale.