Coffee Brewing Ratio Calculator
Achieve the perfect extraction by balancing your coffee grounds and water perfectly.
Understanding the Coffee-to-Water Ratio
The secret to a world-class cup of coffee isn't just the beans; it's the ratio. The ratio determines the strength, body, and mouthfeel of your brew. In the specialty coffee world, we measure everything in grams because volume (like tablespoons) can be inaccurate due to bean density and roast level.
The "Golden Ratio" generally falls between 1:15 and 1:18. This means for every 1 gram of coffee, you use 15 to 18 grams (or milliliters) of water.
Popular Brewing Ratios by Method
| Method | Ratio (Coffee:Water) | Result Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso | 1:2 | Intense, concentrated, syrupy |
| Moka Pot | 1:7 | Strong, bold, espresso-like |
| Aeropress | 1:12 to 1:15 | Versatile, full-bodied |
| French Press | 1:15 | Heavy body, textured |
| V60 / Pour Over | 1:16 to 1:17 | Clean, tea-like, highlights acidity |
| Chemex | 1:17 | Extremely clean and bright |
| Cold Brew | 1:8 (Concentrate) | Smooth, low acidity, rich |
Calculation Examples
Example 1: The Standard Morning Pour Over
If you are using a Hario V60 and have 20 grams of coffee beans, using a standard 1:16 ratio would require 320ml of water (20 x 16 = 320). This ensures the water has enough "room" to pull the flavors out of the grounds without over-extracting bitter notes.
Example 2: Filling Your 500ml French Press
If your French Press holds 500ml of water and you want a rich 1:15 ratio, you divide the water by the ratio: 500 / 15 = 33.3 grams of coffee. Rounding to 33g will give you a perfect, full-bodied carafe.
Pro Tip: The Bloom
When starting your brew, always use double the weight of the coffee in water for the "bloom." For 30g of coffee, pour 60g of water and wait 30 seconds. This releases trapped CO2 and allows for more even extraction during the rest of the pour.