Coffee to Water Ratio Calculator
Pick your brew method and how much coffee you want to make — get the exact grams of coffee and water, plus a rough tablespoon count, grind size and brew time. Works for pour-over, drip, French press, AeroPress, cold brew and espresso.
| Ground coffee | – |
| Water | – |
| Level tablespoons (≈5.5 g each) | – |
| Ratio | – |
| Grind | – |
| Brew time | – |
These are starting points. Taste, then change one thing at a time: more coffee if it is weak, a coarser grind if it is bitter. Weighing with a kitchen scale makes your coffee repeatable.
How to use the ratio
- Weigh the coffee and grind it right before brewing for the best flavor.
- Heat the water to about 195–205°F (90–96°C) — just off the boil. Cold brew uses cold or room-temperature water.
- Brew for the time shown, then taste. If it is sour or thin, grind finer or use a stronger ratio; if it is bitter or dry, grind coarser.
Looking for gear? See our drip and pour-over guides and coffee grinder guides — a good burr grinder makes the biggest difference to taste. More techniques are in Brewing Guides.
Questions
What is the best coffee to water ratio?
For most filter methods a ratio between 1:15 and 1:17 (1 gram of coffee for every 15–17 grams of water) is a good starting point. Pour-over is often brewed around 1:16, French press a little stronger around 1:15, and automatic drip machines around 1:17. Espresso is measured differently: by the weight of the drink, usually about twice the weight of the ground coffee (1:2).
How many tablespoons of coffee per cup?
A level tablespoon holds roughly 5–6 g of ground coffee, depending on the grind and the bean. For an 8 oz (240 ml) mug at 1:16 you need about 15 g, which is close to 3 level tablespoons. A kitchen scale is far more accurate than spoons, and it is the easiest way to make the same good cup every day.
Why does my coffee taste weak or bitter?
Weak, watery coffee usually needs more coffee (a stronger ratio) or a finer grind. Bitter, harsh coffee is often over-extracted: try a slightly coarser grind, a shorter brew time or water just off the boil (about 195–205°F / 90–96°C). Change one thing at a time.
Do grounds absorb water?
Yes. Coffee grounds hold on to about twice their weight in water, so you always get a little less coffee in the cup than the water you used. The calculator shows the approximate amount you will actually pour.
What ratio should I use for cold brew?
Cold brew is usually made as a concentrate around 1:5, steeped with coarse grounds for 12–18 hours in the fridge, then diluted about 1:1 with water or milk. Taste and adjust the dilution to your liking.