Interactive Coffee Ratio Calculator

Calculate precise coffee-to-water ratios for your preferred brewing method. Adjust strength, convert between units, and get professional brewing recommendations.

Pour Over
Espresso
French Press
Cold Brew
AeroPress
Moka Pot
Drip
Custom
Mild Balanced Strong
Balanced Strength (1.0x ratio)
Metric (g/ml)
Imperial (oz/cups)
Results show in both systems automatically
Enter your desired water volume
Water to coffee ratio (e.g., 16:1 = 16ml water per 1g coffee)

Additional Resources

For more detailed coffee brewing data and ratio variations, follow this comprehensive coffee ratio guide from Coffee Bros.

Coffee Ratio Formulas & Brewing Guidelines

Understanding coffee-to-water ratios for perfect extraction

Golden Ratio Principle

The coffee-to-water ratio is the foundation of great brewing. Too little coffee = weak, under-extracted brew. Too much coffee = bitter, over-extracted brew. The “Golden Ratio” is typically 1:16-1:18 (coffee:water) for most methods.

Standard Ratio Formula

Coffee (g) = Water (ml) ÷ Ratio

Brewing Method Ratios

Method Standard Ratio Strength Brew Time Grind Size
Pour Over 1:16.67 Balanced 2-4 min Medium
Espresso 1:2 Very Strong 25-30 sec Fine
French Press 1:15 Full-bodied 4 min Coarse
Cold Brew 1:8 Concentrated 12-24 hr Coarse
AeroPress 1:14 Rich 1-2 min Medium-Fine

Extraction Science

Optimal extraction extracts 18-22% of coffee solubles. Ratio controls concentration, while grind size, water temperature (195-205°F), and brew time control extraction quality. Use filtered water with 50-100 ppm minerals for best results.

How It Works
Three simple steps to perfect coffee every time
1

Choose Method & Strength

Select your brewing method and preferred strength. Each method has an optimal ratio range. Strength slider adjusts from mild (0.8x) to strong (1.3x).

2

Enter Water Amount

Input your desired water volume in ml or cups. Calculator automatically determines precise coffee amount needed. Use filtered water for best taste.

3

Get Precision Measurements

Receive exact coffee weight in grams and tablespoons with step-by-step brewing instructions. Scale up/down while maintaining perfect ratio.

Brewing FAQs
Everything about coffee ratios and perfect extraction

The “Golden Ratio” is 1:16-1:18 (1g coffee per 16-18ml water) for most brewing methods. This equates to 55-65g coffee per liter of water. Espresso uses 1:2 ratio, cold brew 1:8. This calculator uses method-specific optimal ratios.

1 level tablespoon ≈ 5-7g ground coffee. For precision brewing, use a gram scale. This calculator provides both weight (grams) and volume (tablespoons) measurements. Whole bean vs ground density varies, so weight is more accurate.

No. Each method requires different ratios: Espresso 1:2 (concentrated), Pour-over 1:16 (balanced), French Press 1:15 (full-bodied), Cold Brew 1:8 (concentrate). Use this calculator’s method presets for optimal results.

Weak coffee = too much water or under-extraction (coarse grind, short time). Bitter coffee = over-extraction (fine grind, too long, too hot). Use proper ratio, 195-205°F water, correct grind size, and brew time for your method.

Use a lower ratio number (e.g., 1:14 instead of 1:16). This means more coffee per same water amount. Our strength slider adjusts ratio from 0.8x (mild) to 1.3x (strong). Don’t just brew longer—this causes bitterness.

195-205°F (90-96°C) for optimal extraction. Boiling water (212°F) scorches coffee. Use a thermometer or let boiling water rest 30 seconds. Dark roasts prefer cooler temps (195°F), light roasts hotter (205°F).

Multiply both coffee and water by the same factor while maintaining the ratio. This calculator automatically scales—just enter your total desired water volume. For 4 cups (1000ml), use 4x the 1-cup ratio amount.

Grind size doesn’t change ratio but affects extraction. Use coarse for French Press, medium for drip, fine for espresso. If coffee tastes off, adjust grind before ratio. Finer grinds extract faster; coarser grinds need longer contact time.

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