Coffee Ratio Calculator: Coffee to Water Ratio by Method
Use this free coffee to water ratio calculator to find how many grams of coffee you need for any amount of water, in grams. It has ratios for V60, Chemex, French press, AeroPress, Moka pot, espresso, drip and cold brew, plus water temperature by roast. KitchenHint works out the math for a balanced cup.
Free Coffee to Water Ratio Calculator Online
Choose your brewing method, then press the calculate button.
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How to Calculate Coffee to Water Ratio
The coffee to water ratio is the weight of coffee compared with the weight of water. A 1:16 ratio means 1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water. Weigh your water in grams. If you measure in ml instead, 1 ml of water is about 1 gram.
Coffee (g) = Water (g) ÷ Ratio
1. Pick your ratio
The golden ratio for coffee is commonly 1:15 to 1:18. Start at 1:16 for a balanced cup.
2. Divide water by the ratio
For 500 g of water at 1:16, divide 500 by 16 to get 31.3 g of coffee.
3. Adjust for strength
Move one step lower for stronger coffee, like 1:15, or one step higher for a milder cup, like 1:17.
Coffee Brewing Ratio Chart by Method
Ideal coffee to water ratios for pour over, V60, Chemex, French press, AeroPress, Moka pot, espresso, cold brew and siphon. These are common starting points, so adjust to taste.
| Brewing method | Ratio | Coffee for 350 g water | Grind size | Brew time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pour over (V60) | 1:16 | 21.9 g | Medium-fine | 2:30 to 3:30 min |
| Chemex | 1:16 | 21.9 g | Medium-coarse | 3:30 to 4:30 min |
| Drip coffee maker | 1:16 | 21.9 g | Medium | 4 to 6 min |
| French press | 1:15 | 23.3 g | Coarse | 4 min |
| AeroPress | 1:14 | 25 g | Medium-fine | 1:30 to 2 min |
| Moka pot | 1:10 | 35 g | Fine | 3 to 5 min |
| Espresso | 1:2 | 18 g dose for a 36 g shot | Fine | 25 to 30 sec |
| Cold brew concentrate | 1:8 | 43.8 g | Coarse | 12 to 18 hours |
| Siphon | 1:15 | 23.3 g | Medium | 1 to 2 min |
How Much Coffee per Cup: Grams for 8 oz, 12 oz, 500 g and 1 Liter
Use this coffee ratio chart to find the grams of coffee for 1, 2 or 4 cups, or for 500 g and 1 liter (1,000 g) of water.
| Water | 1:15 (stronger) | 1:16 (balanced) | 1:17 | 1:18 (milder) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 240 g water (1 cup) | 16 g | 15 g | 14.1 g | 13.3 g |
| 350 g water (12 oz) | 23.3 g | 21.9 g | 20.6 g | 19.4 g |
| 500 g water | 33.3 g | 31.2 g | 29.4 g | 27.8 g |
| 480 g water (2 cups) | 32 g | 30 g | 28.2 g | 26.7 g |
| 960 g water (4 cups) | 64 g | 60 g | 56.5 g | 53.3 g |
| 1,000 g water (1 liter) | 66.7 g | 62.5 g | 58.8 g | 55.6 g |
Coffee Strength Ratio and Water Temperature by Roast
Strong coffee uses a lower ratio number and mild coffee uses a higher one. Lighter roasts brew best with hotter water, and dark roasts with slightly cooler water.
| Coffee style | Ratio | Water temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Strong coffee | 1:14 to 1:15 | Any |
| Balanced coffee | 1:16 | Any |
| Mild coffee | 1:17 to 1:18 | Any |
| Light roast | 1:16 | 200 to 205°F (93 to 96°C) |
| Medium roast | 1:16 | 195 to 200°F (90 to 93°C) |
| Dark roast | 1:16 | About 195°F (90°C) |
Cups here are US cups of about 240 g of water. Tablespoon amounts are approximate at about 5 g per level tablespoon, so weighing is more accurate.
3 Fundamentals for Brewing Better Coffee
1. Use a digital scale
Scoops vary with bean size and roast. Weighing in grams gives you the same cup every morning.
2. Match grind size to method
Use a coarse grind for French press and cold brew, medium for drip, and fine for espresso and Moka pot.
3. Control water temperature
Aim for 195 to 205°F (90 to 96°C). Let boiled water rest for about 30 seconds before pouring.
Coffee Ratio Calculator FAQ
What is the best coffee to water ratio?
A ratio of 1:16 (about 62.5 g of coffee per liter) is a balanced starting point. The commonly used range is 1:15 to 1:18, and the SCA Golden Cup standard is about 55 g per liter. Use a lower number for stronger coffee.
How do I calculate coffee to water ratio?
Divide the water by the ratio. For 350 g of water at 1:16, 350 ÷ 16 = 21.9 g of coffee. Weigh your water in grams; 1 ml of water is about 1 g.
How many grams of coffee per cup?
At 1:16, a cup with 240 g (8 oz) of water needs 15 g of coffee and a mug with 350 g (12 oz) needs about 21.9 g.
How much coffee for 500 g or 1 liter of water?
At 1:16, 500 g of water needs about 31.3 g of coffee and 1 liter (1,000 g) needs 62.5 g.
What is the coffee ratio for French press and V60?
French press commonly uses 1:15, which is about 23.3 g for 350 g of water. V60 pour over commonly uses 1:16, which is about 21.9 g for 350 g of water.
What water temperature should I use for coffee?
Use 195 to 205°F (90 to 96°C). Lighter roasts do well at the hotter end, and dark roasts at the cooler end.
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