Coffee to water ratio chart
Coffee-to-water ratios for every brew method, with grams per cup and the strength each ratio produces. Use it to dial in a balanced cup or scale a recipe to any batch size.
By brew method
| Brew method | Ratio | Per cup | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pour over | 1:16 | 22 g / 350 ml | Balanced |
| French press | 1:12 | 30 g / 350 ml | Full-bodied |
| AeroPress | 1:14 | 17 g / 240 ml | Concentrated |
| Drip machine | 1:17 | 60 g / 1 L | Clean |
| Cold brew (concentrate) | 1:8 | 100 g / 800 ml | Strong concentrate |
| Espresso | 1:2 | 18 g / 36 ml | Intense |
| Moka pot | 1:10 | 20 g / 200 ml | Rich |
| Chemex | 1:16 | 50 g / 800 ml | Bright & clean |
Ratio strength guide
| Ratio | Strength | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1:14 | Strong | Bold mugs, milk drinks |
| 1:15 | Medium-strong | Rich black coffee |
| 1:16 | Balanced | Most pour overs (golden ratio) |
| 1:17 | Mild | Clean, tea-like cups |
| 1:18 | Light | Large batches, lighter roasts |
Ratios are starting points — grind size, roast, and taste all shift the result. The 1:16 to 1:17 range is the common golden ratio for filter coffee; go stronger (lower numbers) for bold or milk-based drinks.
Scaling to your exact batch?
To get grams of coffee and water for any cup count or ratio, use the Coffee to Water Ratio Calculator, or dial in a method with the Pour Over and French Press calculators.
What the ratio means
A 1:16 ratio means 1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams (millilitres) of water, about 22 grams of coffee for a 350 ml mug. Lower numbers mean more coffee per cup and a stronger brew; higher numbers mean a lighter cup.
Dialing in your cup
Start at the ratio for your method, then adjust by taste: if the cup is weak or sour, add coffee or grind finer; if it is bitter or harsh, use less coffee or grind coarser. Change one variable at a time.
FAQ
What is the golden ratio for coffee?
Around 1:16 to 1:17, roughly 1 gram of coffee per 16 to 17 grams of water. It produces a balanced filter coffee that most people enjoy.
How much coffee for one cup?
For a 350 ml mug at 1:16, use about 22 grams of coffee. Stronger drinkers go to 1:14, about 25 grams.
Why measure by weight, not scoops?
Beans vary in size and density, so scoops are inconsistent. Weighing coffee and water in grams gives a repeatable cup every time.