Coffee ratio calculator
The exact coffee-to-water ratio for every brewing method — scaled to how much you’re making, dialled to how strong you like it.
Strength comes down to one number: the coffee-to-water ratio. Pick your method, choose how much you want, and this calculator gives you the grams of coffee and water to weigh out — plus a tablespoon estimate if you don’t have a scale yet.
Pour-over · 1:16
Coffee
30
grams
Water
473
grams
For 2 cups (16 oz), weigh 30 g of coffee to 473 g of water.
V60, Chemex, Kalita — the classic balanced filter ratio.
What makes a ratio repeatable
A ratio is measured by weight, and an even grind keeps it honest cup to cup. These two do more for consistency than any machine.
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Check price on AmazonCoffee-to-water ratio chart
| Method | Ratio | Example | Grind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pour-over (V60, Chemex) | 1:16 | 20 g → 320 g | Medium |
| French press | 1:15 | 30 g → 450 g | Coarse |
| Drip machine | 1:16–1:17 | 60 g → 1 L | Medium |
| AeroPress | 1:15 | 15 g → 225 g | Medium-fine |
| Cold brew (concentrate) | 1:5 | 100 g → 500 g | Coarse |
| Espresso | 1:2 | 18 g → 36 g | Fine |
Put the ratio to work
Common questions
What is the best coffee-to-water ratio?
For most filter coffee, 1:16 — one gram of coffee per sixteen grams of water — is the balanced standard. French press is slightly stronger at 1:15, espresso is about 1:2, and cold brew concentrate is around 1:5. Use the calculator to scale any of these to the amount you're making, then adjust to taste.
How much coffee do I need per cup?
At the standard 1:16 ratio, an 8 oz (240 ml) cup needs about 15 grams of coffee — roughly 3 level tablespoons. A larger 12 oz mug needs about 22 grams. The calculator works this out for any number of cups and lets you make it milder or stronger.
How do I make my coffee stronger or weaker?
Use a lower ratio (more coffee) for a stronger cup — for example 1:15 instead of 1:16 — and a higher ratio (less coffee) for a weaker one. Move the strength control in the calculator and it recalculates the grams for you. Change it a little at a time and keep grind and brew time constant.
Do I need a scale to use a coffee ratio?
A scale is the most reliable way, because a ratio is measured by weight and scoops vary with grind and roast. The calculator also gives an approximate tablespoon equivalent so you can get close without one — but a $25 brewing scale is the single cheapest upgrade to consistent coffee.