Want coffee that tastes just right—without the guesswork? This beginner-friendly coffee-to-water ratio calculator shows you exactly how much coffee and water to use for your favorite brew. No complicated math, no barista training needed.
How we calculate
We convert units to a base system (grams for coffee, milliliters for water) and apply:
water = coffee × ratiocoffee = water ÷ ratioratio = water ÷ coffee
Then we convert back to your chosen display units (1 oz = 28.3495 g; 1 fl oz = 29.5735 ml) and round to 1 decimal place.
Got your ratio? Now grab your beans, heat up the kettle, and start brewing. This small step could be the secret to your best cup yet.
Why Use This Coffee to Water Ratio Calculator
Brewing isn’t just about beans and hot water—it’s about balance. Ratios help you:
- Avoid the guesswork of “eyeballing” coffee scoops.
- Make your coffee taste the same every time.
- Adjust easily if you like it stronger or smoother.
Whether you’re aiming for a bold espresso or a smooth French press, this calculator gives you clarity and control.
How It Works (For Beginners)
We use common starting ratios most coffee lovers trust:
- Espresso: 1:2 (1 part coffee, 2 parts water)
- Pour-over/Drip: 1:14 to 1:17
- French press: 1:12 to 1:15
Just choose your brew method, enter how much coffee or water you have, and the calculator will tell you the rest.
Brewing Examples
- Espresso: If you use 18 grams of coffee, you’ll need about 36 grams of water for a classic 1:2 ratio shot.
- Pour-over: For 20 grams of coffee, use 300–340 grams of water for a balanced cup.
- French press: With 30 grams of coffee, add 360–450 grams of water depending on how strong you like it.
Related Coffeenatics Guides
- How to Make Pour Over Coffee Without a Scale Effortlessly: 5 Simple Tips!
- Coffee Grind Size Chart: Complete Brewing Guide
- Sizes of French Press: Complete Guide
- 10 Best Espresso Machines under $500 (Buying Guide & Reviews)
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- Coffee Brewing Calculator (Advanced Tool) → Designed for coffee enthusiasts who want precision, with options for roast levels, brew methods, and caffeine content.
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FAQ: Coffee to Water Ratio Calculator
What is the best coffee to water ratio for espresso?
A common starting point is 1:2 (one part coffee to two parts water). For example, 18 grams of coffee yields about 36 grams of espresso.
How do I measure coffee without a scale?
Use tablespoons as a rough guide—1 level tablespoon of ground coffee is about 5–7 grams. But for precision, a scale is always better.
Why does brew ratio matter?
Ratios determine how your coffee extracts. Too much water makes it taste weak, while too little can make it overpowering or bitter.
What happens if I add more water to coffee?
Adding extra water after brewing dilutes the strength but doesn’t change extraction. This can work if your coffee is too strong, but it’s best to get the ratio right from the start.
References
Cwiková, O., Komprda, T., Šottníková, V., Svoboda, Z., Simonová, J., Slováček, J., & Jůzl, M. (2022). Effects of Different Processing Methods of Coffee Arabica on Colour, Acrylamide, Caffeine, Chlorogenic Acid, and Polyphenol Content. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 11(20), 3295. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11203295
Olechno, E., Puścion-Jakubik, A., Zujko, M. E., & Socha, K. (2021). Influence of Various Factors on Caffeine Content in Coffee Brews. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 10(6), 1208. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10061208
Cordoba, N., Fernandez-Alduenda, M., Moreno, F. L., & Ruiz, Y. (2020). Coffee extraction: A review of parameters and their influence on the physicochemical characteristics and flavour of coffee brews. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 96. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924224419305692?via%3Dihub
Moroney, K. M., Lee, W. T., O’Brien, S. B., & Suijver, F. (2019). Mathematical modelling of the coffee brewing process. Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, 52(8), 084001. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319475887_Mathematical_Modelling_of_the_Coffee_Brewing_Process