Coffee Brewing Ratio Calculator
Dial in the perfect cup using precise measurements
Find Water Amount (I have coffee)
Find Coffee Amount (I want X water)
Drip / Pour Over (1:17)
French Press (1:15)
Aeropress (1:16)
Espresso (1:2)
Cold Brew (1:12)
Custom Ratio
Your Brewing Recipe
Coffee Required:
0g
Water Required:
0ml
Understanding Coffee Brewing Ratios
The coffee-to-water ratio is the single most important variable in manual coffee brewing. It determines the strength (TDS) and extraction level of your final cup. While personal preference varies, most specialty coffee professionals adhere to the "Golden Ratio."
Common Coffee Ratios and Methods
- 1:17 (Standard Pour Over): For every 1 gram of coffee, use 17 grams of water. This results in a clean, bright cup that highlights origin characteristics.
- 1:15 (French Press): A tighter ratio that produces a heavier body and more intense flavor, typical for full-immersion brewing.
- 1:2 (Espresso): A concentrated extraction where 18g of coffee yields roughly 36g of liquid espresso.
- 1:12 (Cold Brew): A concentrate ratio intended to be diluted with water or milk after a long steep time.
Calculation Examples
Example 1: You have 30g of coffee beans and want to make a Pour Over at 1:16.
Calculation: 30g × 16 = 480ml of water.
Example 2: You want to fill a 500ml carafe using a 1:15 ratio.
Calculation: 500ml ÷ 15 = 33.3g of coffee grounds.
Pro Tips for Better Results
- Use a Scale: Volume (spoons/cups) is inconsistent. Weight in grams is the only way to ensure repeatability.
- Water Weight: In the metric system, 1ml of water equals 1g of water, making calculations seamless.
- Absorption: Remember that coffee grounds absorb about twice their weight in water. If you use 500ml of water, you will receive approximately 440-460ml of brewed coffee.