Pour Over (1:16)
French Press (1:15)
Drip Machine (1:17 – Golden Cup)
AeroPress (1:13)
Cold Brew Concentrate (1:8)
Espresso (1:2)
Custom Ratio
Coffee (Grams)
Water (Milliliters/Grams)
Your Brewing Recipe
0g
0ml
Mastering the Coffee to Water Ratio
The secret to a barista-quality cup of coffee isn't just the beans; it's the Coffee to Water Ratio. This ratio determines the strength and extraction level of your brew. Whether you prefer a bold French Press or a delicate Pour Over, using a precise scale and ratio ensures consistency every single morning.
The "Golden Ratio" for Coffee
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) recommends a ratio of 1:17 for most manual brewing methods. This means for every 1 gram of coffee, you use 17 grams (or milliliters) of water. This generally yields a balanced, clean cup that highlights the bean's natural acidity and sweetness.
Common Ratios by Brew Method
Method
Ratio
Strength Profile
Espresso
1:2
Intense & Concentrated
AeroPress
1:13
Rich & Full-bodied
French Press
1:15
Heavy & Robust
Pour Over
1:16
Balanced & Nuanced
Cold Brew
1:8
Very Strong (Concentrate)
Example Calculation
If you have a standard 12oz mug (approx. 350ml) and want to use a 1:15 ratio:
Math: 350 / 15 = 23.3
Result: Use 23.3 grams of medium-coarse ground coffee.
Pro Brewing Tips
Use a Scale: Volume measurements (scoops and cups) are inaccurate because coffee density varies by roast. Always measure by weight (grams).
Water Temperature: Aim for 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C) for optimal extraction.
Grind Size: If the coffee tastes too bitter, coarsen your grind. If it tastes sour or weak, go finer.
function updateDefaultRatio() {
var method = document.getElementById("brewMethod").value;
var customDiv = document.getElementById("customRatioDiv");
if (method === "custom") {
customDiv.style.display = "block";
} else {
customDiv.style.display = "none";
}
}
function clearOther(id) {
document.getElementById(id).value = "";
}
function calculateCoffeeRecipe() {
var brewMethod = document.getElementById("brewMethod").value;
var coffeeInput = document.getElementById("coffeeGrams").value;
var waterInput = document.getElementById("waterMl").value;
var ratio;
if (brewMethod === "custom") {
ratio = parseFloat(document.getElementById("customRatio").value);
} else {
ratio = parseFloat(brewMethod);
}
if (isNaN(ratio) || ratio <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid ratio.");
return;
}
var finalCoffee, finalWater;
if (coffeeInput !== "" && !isNaN(coffeeInput)) {
finalCoffee = parseFloat(coffeeInput);
finalWater = finalCoffee * ratio;
} else if (waterInput !== "" && !isNaN(waterInput)) {
finalWater = parseFloat(waterInput);
finalCoffee = finalWater / ratio;
} else {
alert("Please enter either the amount of coffee or the amount of water.");
return;
}
// Display results
document.getElementById("resCoffee").innerText = finalCoffee.toFixed(1) + " g";
document.getElementById("resWater").innerText = Math.round(finalWater) + " ml";
var ozWater = (finalWater * 0.033814).toFixed(1);
document.getElementById("resSummary").innerText = "To brew with a 1:" + ratio + " ratio, use " + finalCoffee.toFixed(1) + "g of coffee for " + Math.round(finalWater) + "ml (approx. " + ozWater + " fl oz) of water.";
document.getElementById("brewResult").style.display = "block";
}