Formula
Coffee (g) = Water (g) ÷ Ratio
Water (g) = Coffee (g) × Ratio
Water (g) = Coffee (g) × Ratio
One milliliter of water weighs one gram, so you can measure water in ml or grams interchangeably.
Example: For a pour-over with 500 ml of water at 1:16, use 31.3 g of coffee. About 440 ml ends up in the cup because the grounds hold water.
Ratios used
- Pour-over 1:16 · Drip machine 1:17 · French press 1:15 · AeroPress 1:14
- Moka pot 1:10 · Cold brew concentrate 1:5 · Espresso 1:2 (yield)
Watching your intake? See how long it lasts with the caffeine calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best coffee to water ratio?
Around 1:15 to 1:17 (grams of coffee to grams of water) for filter coffee. The Specialty Coffee Association’s “golden cup” is about 55 g of coffee per liter, roughly 1:18.
How much coffee for 500 ml of water?
At 1:16, about 31 g — roughly 6 tablespoons of whole beans.
What ratio for French press?
About 1:15, with a coarse grind and a 4-minute steep.
What ratio for cold brew?
For a concentrate, about 1:5 steeped 12–24 hours, then dilute 1:1 with water or milk. For ready-to-drink cold brew use about 1:12.