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Coffee Ratio Calculator - Perfect Brew by Weight & Method

Calculate the perfect coffee-to-water ratio for your brewing method. Get precise measurements in grams and milliliters for pour over, French press, espresso, drip, cold brew, and AeroPress.

Calculate Coffee Ratio

Calculate based on:
Amount (grams)
Brewing Method

1:16-17 ratio, clean & bright

Your Perfect Ratio

20g
Coffee
333ml
Water
Ratio:1:16.67
Cups:1.4 cups (240ml each)
Brew Time:3-4 minutes
Method:Pour Over

Related Calculators

Standard Coffee Ratios by Brewing Method

☕ Pour Over1:16-17

Clean & bright flavor

  • • Medium-fine grind
  • • 3-4 minute brew time
  • • 15g coffee → 250ml water
🫖 French Press1:15

Full-bodied & rich

  • • Coarse grind
  • • 4-5 minute brew time
  • • 20g coffee → 300ml water
☕ Espresso1:2

Concentrated & intense

  • • Fine grind
  • • 25-30 second brew time
  • • 18g coffee → 36ml espresso
☕ Drip Coffee1:17

Balanced & smooth

  • • Medium grind
  • • 5-6 minute brew time
  • • 14g coffee → 240ml water
🧊 Cold Brew1:8

Smooth & strong concentrate

  • • Extra coarse grind
  • • 12-24 hour steep time
  • • 50g coffee → 400ml water
💨 AeroPress1:16

Versatile & clean

  • • Fine to medium grind
  • • 1.5-2 minute brew time
  • • 15g coffee → 240ml water

How to Calculate Coffee Ratio

Calculation Formula

Water Amount: Coffee (grams) × Ratio = Water (ml)
Coffee Amount: Water (ml) ÷ Ratio = Coffee (grams)
Example: 20g coffee × 16 = 320ml water

Brewing Steps:

  1. 1
    Choose your brewing method
    Each method has an optimal ratio for best flavor
  2. 2
    Weigh your coffee beans
    Use a digital scale for accuracy (grams)
  3. 3
    Calculate water amount
    Multiply coffee weight by ratio number
  4. 4
    Brew and adjust
    Taste and fine-tune ratio to your preference

Important Brewing Tips

☕ Pro Tip

Water quality matters! Use filtered water at 195-205°F (90-96°C) for optimal extraction.

⚖️ Precision Matters

Use a digital scale for consistency

  • • Weigh coffee to 0.1g accuracy
  • • Measure water by weight (1ml = 1g)
  • • Track your ratios for repeatability
🫘 Fresh Coffee Beans

Freshness affects extraction

  • • Use beans within 2-4 weeks of roasting
  • • Grind just before brewing
  • • Store in airtight container
⏱️ Brew Time

Time affects strength & flavor

  • • Too fast = weak, sour coffee
  • • Too slow = bitter, over-extracted
  • • Adjust grind size to control time
🌡️ Water Temperature

Temperature affects extraction

  • • Ideal: 195-205°F (90-96°C)
  • • Too hot = bitter, burnt taste
  • • Too cool = weak, under-extracted

Grind Size Guide

Extra Coarse
Cold brew, cowboy coffee
🌰
Coarse
French press, percolator
🥜
Medium-Coarse
Chemex, clever dripper
🌾
Medium
Drip coffee makers, pour over
🧂
Medium-Fine
Pour over (V60), AeroPress
🌫️
Fine
Espresso, Moka pot, Turkish
💨

Example Cases

Case 1: Morning Pour Over

Input: 20g coffee
Method: Pour over (1:16.67)
Grind: Medium-fine
Result: 333ml water
Cups: 1.4 cups
Brew Time: 3-4 minutes

Perfect for: Single serving with clean, bright flavor profile ideal for light to medium roasts.

Case 2: French Press for Two

Input: 500ml water
Method: French press (1:15)
Grind: Coarse
Result: 33.3g coffee
Cups: 2.1 cups
Brew Time: 4-5 minutes

Perfect for: Sharing bold, full-bodied coffee with rich mouthfeel and deep flavor notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best coffee-to-water ratio?
The ideal ratio depends on your brewing method. Pour over typically uses 1:16-17 (16-17g water per 1g coffee), French press uses 1:15, espresso uses 1:2, and drip coffee uses 1:17. Start with these standards and adjust to your taste preference.
Should I measure coffee by weight or volume?
Always measure coffee by weight (grams) rather than volume (scoops or tablespoons) for consistency. Coffee beans vary in density, so volume measurements can be inaccurate. A digital scale ensures precise, repeatable results every time.
How many grams of coffee for one cup?
For a standard 240ml (8oz) cup using pour over or drip method, use approximately 14-15 grams of coffee. This follows the 1:16-17 ratio (240ml ÷ 16 = 15g). Adjust based on desired strength and brewing method.
Can I use this calculator for cold brew?
Yes! Cold brew uses a much stronger ratio of 1:8 (8g water per 1g coffee) because it's typically diluted with ice or milk after brewing. Our calculator includes cold brew as a brewing method option with the appropriate ratio.
How does grind size affect the ratio?
While grind size doesn't change the ratio, it affects extraction. Finer grinds extract faster (espresso: 25-30 seconds), coarser grinds need longer (French press: 4-5 minutes). Match your grind size to your brewing method and adjust brew time accordingly.