Coffee Ratio Calculator
Enter the coffee and water you use to discover the exact brew ratio and adjust to your taste.
Multiply tablespoons by 5.5 to estimate grams if you don't have a scale.
Multiply cups by 236.588 to convert to milliliters.
Coffee per Water
1 : 16.7
6.0 g coffee per 100 ml water
Brew Conversions
5.45 tbsp coffee · 2.11 cups water
Helpful when measuring with scoops and standard kitchen cups.
How to Use This Calculator
Weigh your coffee
Measure coffee grounds in grams for the most precise ratio.
Measure your water
Record the amount of water you use in milliliters (or convert from cups).
Adjust to taste
Review the ratio to determine if you prefer stronger (lower ratio) or lighter (higher ratio) coffee.
Formula
ratioCoffeeToWater = coffeeGrams ÷ waterMilliliters
ratioWaterToCoffee = waterMilliliters ÷ coffeeGrams
Example: 30 g coffee with 500 ml water → ratio: 1 : 16.7 (≈ 1:16½).
Quick conversions: 10 g coffee needs ≈ 160 ml for a standard brew.
Full Description
Brew ratios are the foundation of consistent coffee. This calculator reveals the exact ratio you’re currently using so you can adjust for strength, sweetness, and mouthfeel. Whether you’re fine-tuning pour over recipes or standardizing espresso doses, knowing your ratio helps replicate results.
Many baristas work in grams and milliliters because they closely track extraction variables. Home brewers can use this tool to translate those numbers into scoops and kitchen cups. Once you find a preferred ratio, you can scale up for larger batches or switch between brew methods.
Why ratios matter
- Lower ratios (1:14) produce bolder, more intense cups.
- Higher ratios (1:17) make lighter, tea-like coffee.
- Espresso typically uses very tight ratios (1:2 to 1:3) for concentrated shots.
- Cold brew concentrate may start at 1:4, diluted to taste after steeping.
Keep notes about grind size, water temperature, and brew time alongside ratio changes to understand how each factor influences your cup. Adjust one variable at a time for consistent experimentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good starting ratio?
A common starting point is 1:16 coffee to water for pour over or drip. Adjust stronger (1:15) or lighter (1:17) to taste.
Do I need a scale?
A scale yields the most consistent results, but you can use tablespoons and cups. This calculator shows those conversions.
How do ratios change with roast level?
Dark roasts taste stronger at lower ratios. Light roasts may benefit from slightly more coffee or higher brewing temperatures.
Can I use this for espresso?
Yes. Input your espresso dose (grams) and yield (converted to milliliters or grams) to see the ratio (e.g., 1:2).