Coffee to Water Ratio Calculator

The Specialty Coffee Association recommends a ratio of 1:16.7 (about 55 grams of coffee per liter of water). In practice, most people land between 1:15 and 1:17 depending on their taste preference. Start at 1:16 and adjust from there.

For a standard 8 oz (237 ml) cup of drip coffee at a 1:16 ratio, you need about 15 grams of coffee. That's roughly 2.5 tablespoons. For a stronger cup at 1:15, use 16 grams.

You don't need one, but it makes a noticeable difference. A tablespoon of finely ground coffee weighs more than a tablespoon of coarsely ground coffee. A $10 kitchen scale removes the guesswork. Once you start using one, you won't go back.

Cold brew at a 1:5 ratio makes a concentrate, not a ready-to-drink coffee. The cold water extracts less from the grounds, so you need more coffee relative to water. Dilute the concentrate 1:1 before drinking. If you want ready-to-drink cold brew, use a 1:8 ratio and steep for 18-24 hours.

Espresso ratios are measured by weight in and weight out, not by volume. A standard espresso ratio is 1:2, meaning 18 grams of ground coffee produces 36 grams of liquid espresso. A ristretto uses 1:1.5, and a lungo uses 1:3. The ratio changes the flavor balance between sweetness, acidity, and bitterness.

You can, but lighter roasts often benefit from a slightly lower ratio (more coffee) because they're denser and extract differently than dark roasts. Start with the calculator's default and adjust. If your light roast tastes sour, try grinding finer before changing the ratio.