KITCHENZAP TOOLS

Coffee Ratio Calculator

Get a practical starting recipe for eight brewing methods, with the coffee, water, grind, temperature, and timing worked out for you.

Build your recipe

Choose a method and tell us how much you want to brew. Results update as you make changes.

Calculate from
Serving size changes with the brewing method.

Your starting recipe

French press

Balanced
Coffee32 g
Water480 ml
Ratio
1:15
Grind size
Coarse
Water temperature
93°C / 200°F
Brew time
4 minutes

Start your timer after all the water is added. Press the plunger slowly.

Use this as a starting point. Bean age, roast, grinder, and personal taste can change the best recipe.

Coffee ratios by brewing method

The best ratio depends on the brewer. These balanced settings are the calculator's default starting points.

MethodBalanced ratioGrindTemperatureTime
French press1:15Coarse93°C / 200°F4 min
Pour over / V601:16Medium-fine93°C / 200°F2:30-3:30
Chemex1:16.5Medium-coarse93°C / 200°F4-5 min
Drip coffee1:16Medium93°C / 200°F4-6 min
AeroPress1:15Medium-fine85°C / 185°F1:30-2 min
Cold brew1:8Extra coarseCool water12-16 hr
Moka pot1:10Fine95°C / 203°F4-5 min
Espresso1:2Fine93°C / 200°F25-30 sec

How to tune your recipe

If the first cup is not quite right, change one thing at a time. Keeping notes makes your next brew easier to repeat.

  1. Tastes sour or thin?Grind finer or extend the brew time slightly.
  2. Tastes bitter or dry?Grind coarser or shorten the brew time.
  3. Needs more body?Choose strong or use a little more coffee.

Coffee ratio questions

What is the best coffee-to-water ratio?

For many filter methods, a ratio between 1:15 and 1:17 is a dependable starting range. Espresso, moka pot, AeroPress, and cold brew use different ratios, which the calculator applies automatically.

Should I measure coffee by weight?

Yes. A scale gives more repeatable results because bean density, roast level, and scoop size vary.

Can I adjust the calculated recipe?

Absolutely. Start with the result, then adjust grind size first. Change the ratio, temperature, or time only after you know what the grind adjustment changed.

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