Coffee Brew Ratio Calculator – Perfect Cup in 3 Easy Steps
Coffee Brew Ratio Calculator
Use this coffee brew ratio calculator to find the perfect balance of coffee beans to water for Pour Over, Espresso, and French Press.
Use this free coffee brew ratio calculator to get the right amount of coffee and water for pour over, French press, espresso, AeroPress and cold brew. Enter a ratio and either the coffee or the water, and the calculator fills in the other side instantly in grams and millilitres.
Quick answer
Coffee brew ratio is written as 1:X, meaning 1 gram of coffee for X grams of water. Water = coffee × X, and coffee = water ÷ X. A 1:16 pour over with 20 g of coffee needs 320 g (ml) of water. Common ratios are 1:2 for espresso, 1:15 for French press, 1:16 to 1:17 for pour over and 1:5 to 1:8 for cold brew concentrate.
Table of Contents
The ratio is the single biggest factor in how strong your coffee tastes. Too little water and the cup is harsh and heavy; too much and it tastes thin and sour.
This coffee brew ratio calculator removes the guesswork, so you can repeat a great cup every morning or scale a recipe up for a whole carafe.
Coffee to Water Ratio Formula
- Water (g or ml) = coffee (g) × ratio
- Coffee (g) = water (g or ml) ÷ ratio
- Ratio = water ÷ coffee
- 1 gram of water is practically equal to 1 ml, so you can weigh or measure the water.
Coffee Brew Ratios by Method
| Method | Ratio | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ristretto | 1:1 to 1:1.5 | 18 g coffee → 18–27 g shot |
| Espresso | 1:2 to 1:2.5 | 18 g coffee → 36–45 g shot |
| Lungo | 1:3 | 18 g coffee → 54 g shot |
| AeroPress | 1:11 to 1:13 | 15 g coffee → 165–195 g water |
| French press | 1:15 | 30 g coffee → 450 g water |
| Pour over / drip | 1:16 or 1:17 | 22 g coffee → 352–374 g water |
| Cold brew (ready to drink) | 1:12 to 1:15 | 60 g coffee → 720–900 g water |
| Cold brew concentrate | 1:5 to 1:8 | 100 g coffee → 500–800 g water |
| Cupping standard | 1:18.18 | 8.25 g coffee → 150 ml water |
How to Use the Coffee Brew Ratio Calculator
Step 1: Enter the Ratio and Coffee Amount
Type the ratio number in Brew Ratio (for 1:16, enter 16) and the dose in Coffee Beans. With 16 and 20 g, the calculator shows 320 g (ml) of water, and the formula bar reads 20g Coffee × 1:16 Ratio = 320g Water.
Step 2: Work Backwards From Water
Know how much coffee you want to drink instead? Type it in Water Volume. For a 500 ml mug at 1:16, the calculator gives 31.3 g of coffee. Use the copy buttons to save any value.
Step 3: Use the Golden Ratios for Other Methods
Check the Golden Brew Ratios table and switch methods. For a cold brew concentrate at 1:8, 100 g of coarse coffee needs 800 g of water. Press Clear Fields to start a new recipe.
Tips for Better Coffee
- Weigh both coffee and water on a digital scale for repeatable results.
- Start at the middle of the range for your method, then adjust by one step, such as 1:16 to 1:15 for a stronger cup.
- Match grind size to the method: fine for espresso, medium for pour over, coarse for French press and cold brew.
- Use water just off the boil, about 92–96°C, for hot brewing.
- Remember that espresso ratios use the weight of the liquid shot, not the water you pour in.
Strong vs Weak Coffee
A lower number means stronger coffee. 1:14 is bold and heavy, 1:16 is balanced, and 1:18 is light and tea-like. If your coffee tastes bitter and strong, add water. If it tastes sour and weak, first try a finer grind before changing the ratio.
More kitchen and conversion tools: the Metric Cups to Fluid Ounces Converter, the Yeast Conversion Calculator and the Gas Mark to Celsius Converter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best coffee to water ratio?
For most filter coffee, 1:16 is a good starting point. That is 1 g of coffee for every 16 g of water.
How much coffee for 500 ml of water?
At 1:16, use about 31 g of coffee. At 1:15, use about 33 g.
What ratio is French press?
Around 1:15, so 30 g of coffee to 450 g of water.
What ratio is cold brew concentrate?
Usually 1:5 to 1:8. Dilute it with water or milk before drinking.
How many grams of coffee per cup?
A standard 240 ml cup at 1:16 needs about 15 g of coffee, roughly 2 level tablespoons of ground coffee.
Is my data saved?
No. The coffee brew ratio calculator runs in your browser and nothing is stored.