The Secret to Great Coffee: Understanding Brew Ratios

One of the most critical factors for brewing delicious coffee is the coffee-to-water ratio. This ratio determines the strength and extraction of your brew. Our calculator helps you nail this every time, whether you're making a pour-over, French press, or AeroPress.

What is a Brew Ratio?

A brew ratio is simply the proportion of coffee grounds to water, measured by weight. A common starting point is a 1:16 ratio, which means for every 1 gram of coffee, you use 16 grams of water. Since 1 gram of water is equal to 1 milliliter, you can use grams and milliliters interchangeably for water.

• A smaller ratio (like 1:14) will produce a stronger, more concentrated coffee.
• A larger ratio (like 1:18) will result in a lighter, more delicate cup.

Common Ratios for Different Brew Methods

• Pour-Over (V60, Chemex): 1:15 to 1:17
• French Press: 1:12 to 1:15
• AeroPress: Highly variable, but a 1:14 ratio is a good starting point for a standard brew.
• Cold Brew: Often made as a concentrate at a 1:5 to 1:8 ratio, then diluted to drink.

Use our calculator to experiment with different ratios and find what tastes best to you. Adjust the coffee or water amount and let the calculator do the math, or slide the ratio to see how it impacts your measurements. Happy brewing!