Coffee to water ratio chart
Coffee-to-water ratios for every brew method, with grams per cup and the strength each ratio produces. Use it to dial in a balanced cup or scale a recipe to any batch size.
By brew method
| Brew method | Ratio | Per cup | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pour over | 1:16 | 22 g / 350 ml | Balanced |
| French press | 1:12 | 30 g / 350 ml | Full-bodied |
| AeroPress | 1:14 | 17 g / 240 ml | Concentrated |
| Drip machine | 1:17 | 60 g / 1 L | Clean |
| Cold brew (concentrate) | 1:8 | 100 g / 800 ml | Strong concentrate |
| Espresso | 1:2 | 18 g / 36 ml | Intense |
| Moka pot | 1:10 | 20 g / 200 ml | Rich |
| Chemex | 1:16 | 50 g / 800 ml | Bright & clean |
Ratio strength guide
| Ratio | Strength | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1:14 | Strong | Bold mugs, milk drinks |
| 1:15 | Medium-strong | Rich black coffee |
| 1:16 | Balanced | Most pour overs (golden ratio) |
| 1:17 | Mild | Clean, tea-like cups |
| 1:18 | Light | Large batches, lighter roasts |
Ratios are starting points — grind size, roast, and taste all shift the result. The 1:16 to 1:17 range is the common golden ratio for filter coffee; go stronger (lower numbers) for bold or milk-based drinks.
Scaling to your exact batch?
To get grams of coffee and water for any cup count or ratio, use the Coffee to Water Ratio Calculator, or dial in a method with the Pour Over and French Press calculators.
What the ratio means
A 1:16 ratio means 1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams (millilitres) of water, about 22 grams of coffee for a 350 ml mug. Lower numbers mean more coffee per cup and a stronger brew; higher numbers mean a lighter cup.
Dialing in your cup
Start at the ratio for your method, then adjust by taste: if the cup is weak or sour, add coffee or grind finer; if it is bitter or harsh, use less coffee or grind coarser. Change one variable at a time.
FAQ
What is the golden ratio for coffee?
Around 1:16 to 1:17, roughly 1 gram of coffee per 16 to 17 grams of water. It produces a balanced filter coffee that most people enjoy.
How much coffee for one cup?
For a 350 ml mug at 1:16, use about 22 grams of coffee. Stronger drinkers go to 1:14, about 25 grams.
Why measure by weight, not scoops?
Beans vary in size and density, so scoops are inconsistent. Weighing coffee and water in grams gives a repeatable cup every time.
Worked example: At a 1:16 ratio, 20 g of coffee takes 320 g of water, and 500 g of water takes about 31 g of coffee. A stronger 1:15 ratio uses 300 g of water for the same 20 g.
Common mistakes: Weigh both coffee and water, because scoops vary with roast and grind. The grounds hold back some water, so you end up with less coffee in the cup than the water you poured, and ratios are a starting point you should adjust to taste.
Related: the Coffee Grind Size Chart and the Espresso Yield Calculator.