Brew guide · Universal · Updated 2026-08-13
Coffee to Water Ratio: The Complete Guide
The one number every home barista needs. Use our interactive calculator, then learn the ratios for every brew method.
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Live calculator
Step by step
- 1
Understand the scale(Concept)
The ratio is coffee : water by weight. 1:16 means 1 g of coffee to 16 g of water. Always weigh in grams — volume measuring cups lie.
- 2
Pick by method(Cheat sheet)
Espresso 1:2 · AeroPress 1:15 · V60/pour-over 1:16 · French press 1:14 · Cold brew 1:8-1:10 · Moka pot 1:10.
- 3
Convert to your batch(Math)
Dose (g) × ratio = water (g). For a 300 g pour-over at 1:16: 300 ÷ 16 = 18.75 g coffee. Our calculator above does this instantly.
- 4
Adjust to taste(Refine)
Stronger (higher coffee) can taste syrupy or sour; weaker can taste flat. Move in 1-point steps until it's balanced for you.
Barista tips
- A $20 scale is the single best coffee investment.
- One tablespoon of coffee is roughly 5-7 g — always weigh.
- Filter roasts generally brew well between 1:15 and 1:17.
Gear for this brew
The espresso scale that set the standard — 0.1g precision, real-time flow-rate, and the benchmark every cheaper scale is measured against.
The best-value burr grinder we've tested — espresso-grade fine adjustments with the brand's legendary serviceability.
The pour-over benchmark. Cheap, beautiful and brutally honest about your technique.
Frequently asked questions
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