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Coffee Ratio Calculator

Perfect coffee brewing ratios for every method

Coffee Ratio Calculator Guide

A coffee ratio calculator converts your chosen coffee-to-water ratio into exact grams of water for any dose, so you can repeat great brews. Typical ranges: pour-over 1:15-1:17, French press 1:12-1:15, espresso ~1:2 (brew ratio).

What is Coffee Ratio Calculator?

The coffee ratio calculator helps dial in recipes for pour-over, French press, AeroPress, cold brew, and espresso. Enter coffee dose and ratio; the tool returns brew water mass (and optional beverage yield for espresso).

How to Use the Coffee Ratio Calculator

  1. Choose method (pour-over, French press, espresso, etc.).
  2. Enter coffee dose (grams).
  3. Set ratio (e.g., 1:16 means 1 g coffee to 16 g water).
  4. Compute water mass and optional timing targets.
  5. Brew and adjust ratio/grind next time based on taste.

Formulas & Methods

  • Water mass: Water_g = Dose_g x Ratio (e.g., 20 g x 16 = 320 g).
  • Espresso brew ratio: Beverage mass / Dose (e.g., 40 g out / 20 g in = 1:2).
  • Cold brew concentrates: use stronger ratios (e.g., 1:5) then dilute to serve.
  • Timing cues (guides):
    • Pour-over: ~2:30-3:30 total for 1 cup.
    • Espresso: ~25-35 s for 1:2 ratio from first drip.

Assumptions & limitations

  • Ratios are starting points; grinder, roast, and water chemistry matter.
  • Use filtered water and a scale for consistency.

Examples

Example A — Pour-over
Dose 18 g, ratio 1:16 -> 288 g brew water. Aim for ~3:00 total; adjust grind if time is too short/long.

Example B — Espresso
Dose 18 g, target 1:2 -> 36 g beverage mass in ~30 s. Adjust grind to control time and extraction.

| Method | Typical Ratio | Notes | |---|---|---| | Pour-over | 1:15-1:17 | Balanced clarity | | French press | 1:12-1:15 | Fuller body | | Espresso | ~1:2 | Beverage yield metric | | Cold brew | 1:5 (conc.) | Dilute to taste |

Pro Tips & Best Practices

  • Calibrate your grinder and note settings for roasts.
  • Bloom fresh coffee ~30-45 s (pour-over) to degas before main pours.
  • Keep water 92-96 C (197-205 F); pre-heat gear to reduce heat loss.
  • Log doses/ratios/time to reproduce your best cups.

Related Calculators

FAQ

Q: What is the best coffee-to-water ratio?

A: Common ranges: pour-over 1:15-1:17, French press 1:12-1:15, espresso ~1:2 (brew ratio, not beverage yield).

Q: Should I measure by weight or volume?

A: Use a scale—weights are consistent; scoops vary by grind and density.

Q: How does grind size affect extraction?

A: Finer grinds extract faster; coarser grinds extract slower. Adjust grind to hit your target taste/time.

Q: What temperature should I use?

A: Typically 92-96 C (197-205 F) for most methods; cooler for light roasts if bitterness appears.

Q: What about TDS and extraction yield?

A: Great-tasting brews often land near 1.2-1.5% TDS and 18-22% extraction, but brew to preference.

Call to Action

Enter your dose and ratio—brew with a scale once, and you will never guess again. Save your favorite recipes for repeatable results.