Coffee & Espresso Ratio Builder

Dial in the perfect brew. Choose your method, set your ratio, and get exact gram and ml measurements.

SCA Golden Cup standard: 1:16.7
StrongerLighter
Pour Over
1 : 16
Standard strength pour over

Your Recipe

Coffee
18.0 g
💧 Water
288 ml
🍵 Yield (approx.)
~252 ml
🔢 Cups (6oz)
1.4

Brew Tips

Coffee-to-Water Ratios by Brew Method

Every brew method has an ideal ratio range. Pour over and drip coffee work best between 1:15 and 1:17, with the Specialty Coffee Association recommending about 1:16.7. French press uses a coarser grind and slightly stronger ratio of 1:12 to 1:15. Espresso is dramatically different, typically 1:1.5 to 1:2.5 (dose to yield in the cup), producing a concentrated shot.

Cold brew concentrates use very strong ratios like 1:4 to 1:8 because the cold water extraction is less efficient. The concentrate is then diluted 1:1 with water or milk before drinking. AeroPress is flexible and can range from espresso-like concentrations to regular filter coffee depending on grind, time, and water volume.

How Ratio Affects Taste

A lower ratio number (like 1:12) means more coffee per unit of water, producing a stronger, more concentrated cup. A higher ratio (like 1:18) means less coffee per unit of water, producing a lighter, more delicate cup. The "right" ratio depends on your beans, roast level, grind size, and personal preference. Start at the standard for your method and adjust by 0.5 in either direction until you find your sweet spot.

How many grams of coffee per cup?
A standard coffee "cup" is 6 fluid ounces (177ml). At the SCA golden ratio of 1:16.7, that requires about 10.6 grams of coffee. For a standard 12oz mug, you would use about 21 grams. A good starting point for most people is 15-18g per 8oz cup and adjusting to taste.
Why does water absorb into the coffee grounds?
Coffee grounds absorb roughly twice their weight in water during brewing. This is why the liquid yield is less than the water you pour in. For every gram of coffee, expect about 2ml of water to be retained in the grounds. So 18g of coffee with 288ml of water yields approximately 252ml in the cup.
What temperature should the water be?
For most brew methods, water should be between 195-205F (90-96C). Boiling water (212F/100C) can over-extract and create bitterness, especially with lighter roasts. If you do not have a thermometer, bring water to a boil and let it sit for 30-45 seconds before pouring. Cold brew is the exception, using room temperature or cold water and compensating with a much longer steep time.