☕ Coffee to Water Ratio Calculator
Calculate the perfect coffee-to-water ratio for precise brewing
| Roast Level | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Light Roast | 200–205°F (93–96°C) |
| Medium Roast | 195–200°F (90–93°C) |
| Dark Roast | 190–195°F (88–90°C) |
| Roast Level | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Light Roast | 203–212°F |
| Medium Roast | 194–203°F |
| Dark Roast | 185–195°F |
- Ristretto (Robust) 20 – 25 seconds
- Espresso (Balanced) 25 – 30 seconds
- Lungo (Mild) 30 – 40 seconds
- Fast (Mild) 4 minutes
- Average (Balanced) 5 minutes
- Slow (Robust) 6 minutes
How to use this calculator?
Step 1: Select Your Brew Method:
choose from 8 popular brewing methods: Espresso,Pour-over, French Press, Autodrip, Moka Pot, Aeropress, Siphon, or Cold Brew. Each method has preset coffee-to-water ratios for optimal brewing.
Step 2: Choose Your Intensity Level:
Select your preferred flavor profile,The intensity automatically updates the recommended coffee-to-water ratio for your chosen brew method.
- Mild Light and clean taste (fast brew time)
- Balanced-Classic, well-rounded flavor (average brew time)
- Robust Strong and bold taste (slow brew time)
Step 3: Select Your Calculation Mode:
Decide what you want to calculate:
- By Coffee Weight- Enter how much coffee grounds you have, and the calculator shows you the required water amount
- By Water Weight- Enter how much water you'll use, and the calculator shows you the required coffee grounds
Step 4: Enter Your Amount
Input your measurement in the text field. Choose your preferred unit: g (grams), ml (milliliters), cup, or oz (ounces). The calculator automatically converts between units while maintaining the correct ratio.
Step 5: View Your Results
The calculator displays in real-time:
- Your coffee-to-water ratio (e.g., 1:16)
- Coffee weight
- Water weight
- Your selected brew method
- Recommended water temperature
- based on roast level
- Recommended brewing time based on intensity
Step 6: Reference Temperature & Time Guides
Below the calculator, check the two guide modules:
- Water Temperature Guide - Shows optimal water temperatures for light, medium, and dark roasts (this is the temperature when water enters the coffee grounds, not kettle setting)
- Brewing Time Guide - Displays recommended brewing times: 4 minutes for mild, 5 minutes for balanced, and 6 minutes for robust flavors
Coffee Ratio FAQs
Why is the Espresso ratio different from Pour-over?
Espresso uses high pressure (9 bars) to extract flavors quickly. While pour-over uses a 1:15 to 1:17 ratio, Espresso typically uses a 1:2 ratio (e.g., 18g coffee grounds yields 36g liquid espresso). This creates a concentrated, syrupy shot with crema, which is the base for lattes and cappuccinos.
What is the best coffee to water ratio?
The ideal coffee-to-water ratio depends on your brewing method and taste preference. Generally, a 1:15 to 1:17 ratio works well for most methods. For example:
- Pour-over: 1:16 (balanced) to 1:13 (robust)
- French Press: 1:15 (balanced) to 1:13 (robust)
- Cold Brew: 1:12 to 1:15 for concentrate
How many grams of coffee per cup?
For a standard 6-8 oz cup, use approximately 10-15 grams of coffee. This translates to:
- Mild strength: 10-12g coffee per cup
- Balanced strength: 12-15g coffee per cup
- Robust strength: 15-18g coffee per cup
What is the ideal brewing temperature for different roast levels?
Water temperature significantly affects extraction:
- Light Roast: 203-212°F (higher temperature needed for proper extraction)
- Medium Roast: 194-203°F (balanced extraction temperature)
- Dark Roast: 185-195°F (lower temperature prevents over-extraction)
Should I measure coffee in tablespoons or grams?
Grams are strongly recommended for consistency and accuracy. Coffee beans vary in density, so:
- 1 tablespoon ≈ 5-7g (varies by roast and grind)
- Using a digital scale ensures repeatable results
- Weight measurements are more precise than volume
How does brewing time affect coffee strength?
Brewing time directly impacts extraction and flavor:
- 2 minutes: Lighter, more acidic, mild flavor
- 3 minutes: Balanced extraction, medium body
- 4+ minutes: Fuller body, more bitter compounds extracted
- Adjust time based on your taste preference
What's the difference between coffee ratios for different brewing methods?
Different methods require adjusted ratios due to extraction efficiency:
- Moka Pot: 1:6-1:9 (concentrated espresso-style)
- French Press: 1:13-1:15 (longer extraction time)
- Pour-over: 1:13-1:18 (controlled extraction)
- Cold Brew: 1:12-1:15 (long extraction compensates)
Blog posts
How to Descale an Espresso Machine
Make every shot taste great again with our step-by-step guide to descaling an espresso machine. Learn safe descaling solutions, rinsing tips & ideal frequency.
The Global Journey of Espresso: Unique Drinking Habits Across Different Countries
From Italy's bar ritual to Cuba's espumita, this espresso around the world guide reveals espresso drinks, coffee culture, and how to order like a local.
Does Espresso Have More Caffeine Than Drip Coffee?
Not sure which energizes you more? This espresso vs drip coffee guide breaks down caffeine content by ounce and per cup so you can choose the right brew.
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