Coffee Ratio Calculator (Coffee to Water)
By Santaji GadepatilinUpdated October 27, 2026
The ratio of coffee to water decides how strong your brew tastes. Most methods use between 1:15 and 1:17 by weight. This free coffee ratio calculator solves for whichever value you leave blank and shows the formula and steps.
How to use the coffee ratio calculator
Choose a brew method and enter the water amount. The grams of ground coffee are calculated. Or enter the coffee you have to find how much water to use.
Example
500 ml of water at 1:16 → 31 g of coffee.
1 ml of water weighs about 1 g, so ratios work with either.
Ratios by brew method
| Method | Typical ratio (coffee : water) | Grind |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso | 1 : 2 (by weight of drink) | Very fine |
| AeroPress | 1 : 12–16 | Fine to medium |
| Pour-over (V60, Chemex) | 1 : 15–17 | Medium-fine to medium |
| Drip machine | 1 : 16–18 | Medium |
| French press | 1 : 12–15 | Coarse |
| Cold brew (concentrate) | 1 : 4–8 | Coarse |
Coffee for common amounts (1 : 16)
| Water | Coffee |
|---|---|
| 200 mL | 12.5 g |
| 250 mL | 15.6 g |
| 350 mL | 21.9 g |
| 500 mL | 31.2 g |
| 750 mL | 46.9 g |
| 1000 mL | 62.5 g |
Water temperature
Most brewing guides recommend 90–96 °C, just off the boil. Too hot extracts bitterness; too cool gives a sour, weak cup.
Adjusting taste
| Taste | Try |
|---|---|
| Weak, watery | More coffee (lower ratio) |
| Too strong | More water |
| Sour | Finer grind or hotter water |
| Bitter | Coarser grind or shorter brew time |
Scoops
A standard coffee scoop holds about 2 tablespoons, roughly 10 g of ground coffee. Weighing is more consistent.
Frequently asked questions
What is the golden coffee ratio?
About 1:15 to 1:18 (coffee to water by weight). 1:16 is a popular starting point.
How many grams of coffee per cup?
For a 250 ml mug at 1:16, about 15–16 g (roughly 2–3 tablespoons).
Should I measure by weight?
Yes — scoops vary with grind size and roast.
How much coffee for 1 litre?
About 60–65 g at a 1:16 ratio.
What is the golden ratio for coffee?
Around 1:15 to 1:18 for filter coffee; 1:16 is a popular starting point.