“There is a beautiful paradox in the simplicity of brewing coffee and the complexity of its mastery.” For years this phrase was written on the back of our coffee bags as an acknowledgement that brewing coffee is rather simple: it’s a matter of adding coffee to water. But there’s a world of nuance within that simplicity. Along with grind size and brew time, coffee-to-water ratio plays a major role in turning a subpar cup of coffee into a mug of pure bliss. This comprehensive guide will show you how to dial in your coffee-to-water ratios to edge you ever closer to your perfect cup of coffee.
What is coffee brew ratio?
Brew ratio refers to the amount of coffee and water used in a brew. It’s a weight-based formula that can be applied to brewing any amount, whether a single cup or large pot. The golden ratio for coffee, the ratio that tends to produce the most balanced cup, is 1:18, meaning 1 part coffee to 18 parts water.
Brew ratio describes the coffee’s strength:
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A lower ratio (less water) will produce a more concentrated brew
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A higher ratio (more water) will make a more diluted brew
However, other factors such as grind size, brew method, and coffee type also influence the ideal ratio. For example, a finer grind exposes more surface area to water, often requiring a higher coffee-to-water ratio to avoid over-extraction. Similarly, the best ratio depends on the brew method you’re using. Below are the optimal coffee brew ratios for different methods of brewing:
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Drip coffee brew ratio |
1:16 to 1:18 |
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French press brew ratio |
1:12 to 1:16 |
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Espresso brew ratio |
1:2 |
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Pour over brew ratio |
1:14 to 1:16 |
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Cold brew ratio |
1:5 to 1:8 |
The golden coffee ratio
According to the Specialty Coffee Association’s (SCA) Gold Cup Standard, coffee’s golden ratio is 1:18—1 gram of coffee to every 18 grams of water. This standard was originally developed for batch brewing, recommending 55 grams of coffee per liter of water to achieve a well-balanced extraction.
However, the perfect coffee ratio is ultimately a matter of taste. More recent SCA-funded research towards a new Coffee Brewing Control Chart recognizes that flavor perception is subjective, meaning no single ratio works best for everyone. While 1:18 is a great starting point for coffee shops brewing large batches, adjusting the coffee-to-water ratio and grind size can highlight different tasting notes in your cup.
How to adjust the golden ratio to taste:
As a general rule, increasing the amount of coffee makes a stronger cup, while decreasing the amount of coffee makes a lighter cup.
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If you want to bring out a stronger, roastier taste, try a ratio closer to 1:15.
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If you prefer a brighter, more citrusy or delicate profile, stick to 1:18 or slightly higher.
Keep in mind that the type of coffee you use and how finely or coarsely it’s ground also affect taste and strength. And, of course, some brewing methods—like espresso or cold brew—require a much more concentrated ratio for optimal results.
Why coffee-to-water ratio matters
Think of coffee-to-water ratio as an adjustable recipe—it helps you brew consistent, well-balanced coffee no matter how many cups you’re brewing. The right ratio doesn’t just control strength; it shapes how flavors develop, altering sweetness, acidity, and body depending on the balance of coffee and water.
The wrong ratio can throw off your brew:
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Too much water leads to under-extraction, meaning not enough of the coffee’s flavor compounds, or soluble solids, are extracted. The result? A sour, weak, or watered-down cup with a thin body.
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Not enough water causes over-extraction, pulling out too much bitterness and leaving you with an extremely bitter, burnt-tasting brew with an overpowering aftertaste.
By dialing in the right coffee-to-water ratio, you create a balanced, flavorful cup that highlights the best qualities of your coffee.
Coffee brew ratios
The science of brewing is all about how the coffee interacts with the water. Different brewing methods require different ratios to bring out the best in your coffee, whether you’re aiming for a light, nuanced pour-over or a rich, full-bodied espresso. Here’s what you need to know to fine-tune your brew.
Drip coffee-to-water ratio
The ideal drip coffee-to-water ratio typically falls between 1:16 and 1:18, depending on coffee roast, grind size, and personal taste. Somewhere in the middle is usually a good place to start for a well-balanced brew. For a stronger pot of coffee, use a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:15.
We recommend a 1:17 ratio for drip coffee with a normal to strong profile. This translates to about 10 grams (or roughly 2 tablespoons) of coffee per 6-ounce cup. While measuring in grams and grinding coffee fresh yields the best results, this ratio is also easy to follow with pre-ground coffee.
Use the chart below (based on a 1:17 ratio) to help you determine how much coffee to use depending on how many cups you’re making.
Learn how to best brew with a coffee maker.
French press coffee-to-water ratio
For French press coffee, we recommend a coffee-to-water ratio between 1:12 and 1:16. Because French press is a full-immersion brew method—where the grounds steep in water for the entire brew time—it typically uses a coarser grind and more coffee than drip brewing, which helps create the rich, full-bodied taste it’s known for. A 1:12 ratio will give you a bolder, more intense flavor, while 1:15 is usually the sweet spot for a well-balanced cup.
Learn how to brew a French press.
Espresso coffee-to-water ratio
For espresso, we recommend starting with a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:2. For a double shot, this means using 18 grams of coffee to yield about 36 grams of espresso. Unlike other brew methods, espresso is highly concentrated, achieved by pushing pressurized hot water through a very fine grind. A finer grind and higher dose of coffee allow for proper extraction under pressure, ensuring the right balance of flavor and strength.
While 1:2 is a great baseline, dialing in the perfect shot usually requires small adjustments. Try increasing or decreasing the yield, dose, or grind size to fine-tune the espresso’s flavor and body to your preference.
Learn more about espresso brewing.
Pour over coffee-to-water ratio
When using pour overs like the Hario V60 or Kalita Wave, we recommend a coffee-to-water ratio between 1:14 and 1:16. This delicate method depends on factors like coffee type, grind size, flow rate, and desired taste. Pour over brewing allows for precise control over extraction, bringing out the delicate nuances in your coffee’s flavor profile.
A 1:14 ratio results in a more concentrated, fuller-bodied cup, while 1:16 creates a lighter, more tea-like brew. Because you control the flow rate—the speed at which water passes through the coffee—you can fine-tune extraction to balance flavors and avoid bitterness, even with a slightly lower coffee-to-water ratio.
Learn how to master the pour over.
Cold brew coffee-to-water ratio
For a cold brew concentrate, we recommend a coffee-to-water ratio between 1:5 and 1:8. A 1:5 ratio creates a bolder, more robust concentrate, while 1:8 produces a slightly lighter but still strong base.
Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for an extended period—typically 12 to 24 hours. This slow extraction process results in a smooth, less acidic coffee that’s naturally concentrated. When you’re ready to enjoy, dilute the concentrate by doubling the volume or to taste. Pro tip: Using milk instead of water creates a creamier, more indulgent cold brew.
How to achieve the perfect brew ratio
Knowing the ideal coffee-to-water ratio is the first step to achieving the perfect balance, but how do you convert that ratio into the correct measurements? Follow these three steps to measure accurately and brew consistently every time.
1. Calculate your coffee ratio
Start by deciding how much coffee you want to brew. Convert this number to grams to find how much water you need to use. Then, apply the right ratio for the brew method you’re using. Divide grams of water by the ratio to determine the amount of coffee you need in grams.
Let’s say you’re brewing a 10-ounce serving of drip coffee using a 1:17 ratio. 10 ounces of coffee equates to about 283 grams. When you divide by the ratio, you get 16.5 grams (283 / 17 = 16.5). So you’ll need to measure and grind 16.5 grams of coffee.
If you want to use a certain amount of coffee beans instead, simply multiply the grams of coffee by the ratio to determine the amount of water needed in grams.
2. Measure your coffee beans
A kitchen scale is a necessary tool for any home coffee brewer. Unlike tablespoons, which measure by volume, a scale measures by weight for greater accuracy and consistency in your brew. Without one, it’s difficult to precisely control variables like your coffee-to-water ratio. We recommend a scale like Hario’s, which measures down to the tenth of a gram for precision and includes a built-in timer.
To measure your coffee, start by placing a small bowl or container on the scale and taring it—this resets the scale to zero so it doesn’t include the weight of the container. To ensure freshness and avoid waste, weigh whole beans before grinding. Gradually add coffee until you reach your desired amount, then grind and brew immediately for the best flavor.
3. Measure your water
The final step is ensuring you use the correct amount of water based on your ratio calculation. A scale is the most precise way to measure water, but a measuring cup can also work.
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Drip coffee makers measure in “cups,” but the actual volume per cup varies by machine—some consider a cup to be 6 ounces, while others more or less. Double-check your coffee maker’s measurements to ensure accuracy.
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Pour over brewers often have fill lines in milliliters, but using a scale allows you to track your flow rate for better extraction. A steady, controlled pour helps evenly saturate the grounds.
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Espresso is best measured with a scale to track output and maintain the right coffee-to-water ratio. Since espresso is brewed under pressure, small changes in weight can make a big difference in flavor and body.
What factors impact brew ratio?
Besides your chosen brew method, several factors influence which coffee-to-water ratio will produce the best results. Grind size, water temperature, desired strength, and coffee roast all play a role in extraction, affecting the balance of flavors in your cup. Understanding how these elements interact can help you fine-tune your ratio for the perfect brew.
Grind size
Your coffee-to-water ratio determines the brew strength, but grind size impacts how much flavor is extracted. Finer grinds extract more quickly, so you may need less coffee.
Learn more: How to Grind Coffee Beans
Water temperature
Hotter water extracts flavors faster, while cooler water slows extraction. The ideal temperature is typically 195–205°F, but adjusting water temperature can help balance extraction based on grind size and brew method.
Desired strength
Coffee is personal—different coffee-to-water ratios highlight different flavors and strengths. Experiment within the recommended range to find the balance that suits your taste best.
Coffee roast
Lighter roasts are denser and require more water to extract flavors fully, while darker roasts extract more quickly and require less water. Adjust your ratio to the roast level to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
While perfecting your golden ratio for coffee, choosing the right beans can enhance your experience. Check out our selection of expertly roasted whole bean coffee.
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