Coffee Calculator
Dial in your brew with accurate coffee-to-water ratios tailored to your brew method.
Choose a Brew Method Preset
Example: 500 ml for a medium brew (≈ 2 cups).
Adjust the ratio manually to fine-tune strength.
Coffee Needed
31.3 g
Coffee (Tablespoons)
5.68 tbsp
Water (Cups)
2.11 cups
How to Use This Calculator
Select a preset or customize
Choose a brew method or enter your preferred ratio to match taste preferences.
Enter your water volume
Use milliliters for accuracy. You can convert from cups by multiplying cups × 236.588.
Grind, brew, enjoy
The results show grams and tablespoons of coffee so you can measure with a scale or spoon.
Formula
coffeeWeight = waterVolume × (1 ÷ ratio)
tablespoons = coffeeWeight ÷ 5.5
Example: 600 ml pour over at 1:17 → coffee = 600 × (1 ÷ 17) = 35.3 g → 6.4 tbsp.
Tip: 1 ml of water ≈ 1 gram, so you can weigh water for exact ratios.
Full Description
The perfect cup of coffee balances strength and flavor. This calculator helps you dial in that balance by converting brew ratios into practical measurements. Whether you use a kitchen scale or scoops, you’ll know exactly how much coffee you need for the water volume you plan to brew.
Standard ratios vary by brew method because of contact time and extraction efficiency. A French press steeps longer and uses a coarser grind, so it needs more coffee per water. Espresso is concentrated and demands a very tight ratio. Use the presets to match the brewing tool on your counter.
When this calculator shines
- Scaling coffee recipes for large batches or travel tumblers.
- Experimenting with strength for pour over or drip brews.
- Training baristas on consistent espresso dosing.
- Converting coffee recipes from metric to spoon measurements.
For even extraction, match grind size to brew method: fine for espresso, medium-coarse for French press, medium for drip. Adjust ratios slightly to suit your taste—stronger coffee uses smaller ratios (1:14), lighter coffee uses larger ratios (1:18).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a scale to use this?
A scale provides the most accurate results, but the calculator also gives tablespoon estimates so you can brew without one.
Why does espresso use so little water?
Espresso is a concentrated shot. The 1:2 ratio extracts rich flavor quickly under pressure, resulting in a small volume drink.
Can I use this for cold brew?
Cold brew typically uses stronger ratios (1:5) for concentrate. Use the custom ratio input to adjust accordingly.
How should I adjust grind size?
Finer grinds increase extraction. If your coffee tastes bitter, coarsen the grind or use a higher ratio (1:17 to 1:18).