Coffee Ratio Calculator
Calculate the perfect coffee-to-water ratio for any brew method — in grams, tablespoons, or cups.
Brew Method Reference
| Method | Ratio | Grind | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | 1:2 (coffee:water) | Fine | 25–30 sec |
| Moka pot | 1:7 | Fine-medium | 5–10 min |
| AeroPress | 1:12–15 | Medium-fine | 1.5–2.5 min |
| Pour over (V60) | 1:15–17 | Medium | 3–4 min |
| French press | 1:12–15 | Coarse | 4 min |
| Drip machine | 1:15–18 | Medium | 5–8 min |
| Chemex | 1:15–17 | Medium-coarse | 4–5 min |
| Cold brew | 1:4–8 (concentrate) | Coarse | 12–24 hrs |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the golden ratio for coffee?▼
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) golden ratio is 1:15–18 (coffee:water by weight), equivalent to 1–2 tablespoons per 6 oz water. For 300ml water, use 17–20g coffee. This applies to pour-over, drip, and similar methods. Espresso uses a much stronger ratio (1:2).
Why measure coffee by weight instead of volume?▼
Coffee beans have inconsistent volume — grind size, bean density, and humidity all affect how much a tablespoon contains. 1 tablespoon of fine grind weighs more than 1 tablespoon of coarse grind. Weight (grams) is consistent regardless of grind or bean type, making it far more reliable for reproducible results.
How does the ratio affect extraction?▼
Higher coffee:water ratio (less water) = stronger, more intense cup but can be over-extracted (bitter). Lower ratio (more water) = lighter, weaker cup, potentially under-extracted (sour/thin). The ideal balance depends on brew method, grind size, water temperature, and contact time.
What is cold brew ratio?▼
Cold brew uses a much higher coffee concentration because the low temperature (room temp or fridge) extracts slowly over 12–24 hours. A 1:4–8 ratio is typical for concentrate; 1:8–10 for ready-to-drink. Cold brew concentrate is usually diluted 1:1 with water or milk before drinking.