Coffee-to-Water Ratio Calculator

Coffee-to-Water Ratio Reference

For an interactive calculation, load this page with JavaScript enabled. A reliable starting point is 20 g coffee to 320 g water for drip brewing.

  • Drip: 1:16
  • Pour-over: 1:15
  • French press: 1:12
  • Cold brew: 1:8
  • Espresso: 1:2

Getting the coffee-to-water ratio right is the single most reliable way to improve your cup. Too much coffee and it tastes bitter and harsh. Too little and it tastes weak and watery. Use the calculator below to find the right amount for your brew method and serving size.

Standard Ratios by Brew Method

Brew Method Ratio (Coffee:Water) Grams per 300ml Notes
Drip coffee 1:15 to 1:17 18–20g Standard starting point
Pour over 1:15 to 1:16 19–20g Adjust to taste
French press 1:12 to 1:15 20–25g Coarser grind, slightly stronger
AeroPress 1:10 to 1:15 20–30g Varies widely by recipe
Espresso 1:2 to 1:2.5 18–20g in, 36–40g out By weight, not volume
Cold brew concentrate 1:4 to 1:5 60–75g per 300ml water Dilute before drinking
Cold brew ready-to-drink 1:8 37g per 300ml water No dilution needed

How to Use the Ratio

The ratio is expressed as coffee:water by weight. A 1:15 ratio means 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams (or milliliters) of water.

Example: If you want 400ml of drip coffee at a 1:15 ratio: 400 ÷ 15 = 26.7 grams of coffee

Example: If you have 20 grams of coffee and want to know how much water to use at 1:16: 20 × 16 = 320ml of water

Unit Conversions

Unit Equivalent
1 tablespoon of coffee ~5–7 grams (varies by grind)
1 cup of water 240ml / 8 oz
1 oz of water ~28ml
1 fluid oz 29.6ml

Note: Volume measurements for coffee (tablespoons, scoops) are less accurate than weight because grind size affects density. A kitchen scale is the most reliable tool for consistent results.

Adjusting to Taste

Start with the middle of the recommended range and adjust from there:

  • Coffee tastes too strong or bitter → Use less coffee (move toward the higher water ratio, e.g., 1:17)
  • Coffee tastes too weak or watery → Use more coffee (move toward the lower water ratio, e.g., 1:14)
  • Coffee tastes sour → The issue is likely grind or temperature, not ratio. See Why Does My Coffee Taste Bitter?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard coffee-to-water ratio?

The Specialty Coffee Association recommends a ratio of 1:15 to 1:18 (coffee to water by weight) for most brewing methods — approximately 55–65 grams of coffee per liter of water. For a standard 8-ounce cup, this works out to roughly 14–17 grams of coffee. The golden ratio of 1:16 (1 gram of coffee per 16 grams of water) is a reliable starting point for drip and pour over.

How much coffee do I use for a French press?

For French press, use a 1:12 to 1:15 ratio by weight — approximately 60–75 grams of coffee per liter of water. For a standard 32-ounce (1-liter) French press, this means 60–75 grams of coarsely ground coffee. French press typically uses a slightly stronger ratio than drip coffee because the immersion brewing method extracts differently than percolation.

How do I measure coffee without a scale?

Without a scale, use 2 level tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water as a starting point — this approximates the SCA golden ratio. For a standard 12-cup drip machine (which brews about 60 ounces), use approximately 20 tablespoons (about 1.25 cups) of ground coffee. Volume measurements are less precise than weight because coffee density varies by grind size and roast level.

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