This comparison lines up each grind size with its brew method and brewing time, showing why finer grinds pair with faster brews.
| Grind | Brew method | Brew time |
|---|---|---|
| Extra coarse | Cold brew | 12 to 24 hr |
| Coarse | French press | 4 min |
| Medium-coarse | Chemex | 4 to 5 min |
| Medium | Drip, pour over | 3 to 4 min |
| Medium-fine | AeroPress | 1 to 2 min |
| Fine | Espresso | 25 to 30 sec |
| Extra fine | Turkish | At the boil |
Time and grind move together. The shorter the contact time, the finer the grind needs to be to extract enough. Espresso is fast and fine; cold brew is slow and coarse.
FAQ
What happens if my grind is inconsistent rather than just the wrong size? Inconsistent grind size causes uneven extraction even at the right average setting. Fine particles over-extract and taste bitter while coarse particles under-extract and taste sour, both in the same cup, which a quality burr grinder helps prevent.
See the Coffee Grind Size Chart and the Coffee Brewing Methods Chart.