Coffee to Water Calculator

The ideal coffee-to-water ratio? 1:16.

That’s one gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water.

This ratio creates a balanced cup—not too strong, not too weak.

But here’s the thing: every brew method has its sweet spot.
For drip coffee, stick to 1:16.
Prefer French press? Go for 1:15 or even 1:14 for a bolder taste.
Cold brew? Think 1:5—concentrate, baby!

Want it dialed in to perfection? Use this coffee-to-water calculator.

Math might not be your thing, but it’s simple.

First, decide how much coffee you want to brew. Let’s say 500 ml.
Now, divide by your chosen ratio. For 1:16, divide 500 by 16.
Boom—31.25 grams of coffee.

Different brew methods, different tweaks:
- Pour-over: Precision is key. Stick to 1:16.
- AeroPress: Start at 1:15, adjust to taste.
- Espresso: A whole other beast—think 1:2 or 1:3.

Pro tip: Experiment with small changes to find your perfect brew. Or let a ratio calculator handle the numbers.

Imagine this: a bland, watery mess. Or a bitter, undrinkable sludge.

That’s what happens when your ratio is off.
The coffee-to-water ratio determines:
- Strength: Too much water? Weak. Too little? Overpowering.
- Flavor extraction: Balanced ratios pull the good stuff (oils, acids, sugars) without the bitter compounds.

So, if you want coffee that’s just right, start with a solid ratio. Then tweak to taste.

Yes, but… not all calculators are made for espresso.

Espresso has its own rules—usually a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio (coffee to liquid).
For lattes, cappuccinos, or other specialty drinks, base your milk ratios on that espresso shot.

If you’re brewing with something like an AeroPress or Mokapot? A coffee-to-water calculator works wonders.

Absolutely. Experts agree: start with 1:16.

But remember, it’s not gospel. Love a bold brew? Go 1:15. Want it lighter? Try 1:17.

Every expert (and coffee geek) agrees on this:
Start with the basics. Then experiment.