Coffee Ratio Calculator

Calculate perfect coffee-to-water ratios for every brew method. Pour over, French press, espresso, cold brew — get exact grams for your perfect cup every time.

Coffee-to-Water Ratio

Quick Ratio Presets

Coffee (grams)

Ratio (1 : X)

Result

Coffee Ratio

30g

Coffee

480g

Water

Cups (8oz)

1:16 ratio — the classic "golden ratio" for balanced coffee

💡 Pro tip: Use a digital scale for the most accurate results. Volume measurements (scoops, tablespoons) can vary by 20%+.

Brew Method Reference

Recommended ratios, grind sizes, water temperatures, and brew times for popular coffee brewing methods.

☕

Pour Over

Ratio 1:16

Grind: Medium-fine

Temp: 195-205°F (90-96°C)

Time: 3-4 minutes

Classic golden ratio. Adjust to 1:15 for stronger, 1:17 for milder.

🫖

French Press

Ratio 1:15

Grind: Coarse

Temp: 200°F (93°C)

Time: 4 minutes

Coarse grind prevents sediment. Steep, plunge slowly.

☕

Espresso

Ratio 1:2

Grind: Extra fine

Temp: 195-205°F (90-96°C)

Time: 25-30 seconds

18g in → 36g out in 25-30 seconds is the classic double shot.

☕

Drip / Auto Brew

Ratio 1:17

Grind: Medium

Temp: 195-205°F (90-96°C)

Time: 5-8 minutes

Most drip coffee makers use a 1:17 ratio as their baseline.

🧊

Cold Brew

Ratio 1:8

Grind: Coarse

Temp: Cold / Room temp

Time: 12-24 hours

This makes a concentrate. Dilute 1:1 with water or milk to serve.

🔵

AeroPress

Ratio 1:14

Grind: Fine

Temp: 175-185°F (80-85°C)

Time: 1-2 minutes

Inverted method + 1 minute steep = rich, smooth cup.

⚗️

Chemex

Ratio 1:16

Grind: Medium-coarse

Temp: 200-205°F (93-96°C)

Time: 4-5 minutes

Slightly coarser than V60 due to thicker filter paper.

🫕

Moka Pot

Ratio 1:7

Grind: Fine

Temp: Medium-low heat

Time: 4-5 minutes

Stop brewing early to avoid bitterness. Listen for the gurgle.

Perfect Coffee: Quick Tips

Weigh everything

A digital scale is the #1 upgrade. "Scoops" are inconsistent — a tablespoon of coffee can be 5-10g depending on grind and packing.

Use fresh beans

Coffee is best 7-21 days after roasting. Buy whole bean and grind right before brewing for maximum flavor.

Water quality matters

Coffee is 98% water. If your tap water tastes bad, your coffee will too. Use filtered water for best results.

Adjust to taste

Start with 1:16 and adjust. Too strong? Use more water (1:17-1:18). Too weak? Use less water (1:14-1:15) or more coffee.

Coffee Strength Guide

Ratio	Strength	Description	Per 8oz cup
1:12	Very Strong	Espresso-like, intense, bold	20g coffee
1:14	Strong	Bold, rich, full-bodied	17g coffee
1:16 ★	Golden Ratio	Balanced, smooth, classic	15g coffee
1:17	Medium	Mellow, clean, easy-drinking	14g coffee
1:18	Mild	Light, tea-like, subtle	13g coffee