Coffee-Water Ratio Calculator
Calculate the ideal coffee-to-water ratio for drip, pour-over, French press, and espresso brewing methods.
cups (6 oz)
Coffee Needed
42.5 g
Water Needed708 mL
Coffee (tablespoons)8.5 tbsp
Ratio16.7 :1 water:coffee
How to Calculate Coffee-to-Water Ratio
Standard Ratios
Formula
Coffee (g) = Water (mL) x Ratio per Liter / 1000 x Strength Factor
One standard "cup" of coffee is 6 oz (177 mL). The SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) golden ratio is 55-65 g per liter.
Grind Size Matters
The ratio assumes the correct grind for the method. Too fine = over-extraction (bitter). Too coarse = under-extraction (sour, thin).
Example Calculation
4 cups of drip coffee, standard strength.
- 01Water = 4 x 177 = 708 mL
- 02Coffee = 708 x 60 / 1000 = 42.5 g
- 03About 8.5 tablespoons of ground coffee
- 04Ratio = 1:16.7 water to coffee
Frequently Asked Questions
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