Cold Brew Ratio Calculator

Calculate the coffee and water needed for cold brew concentrate or ready-to-drink cold brew, with steeping time guidance.

mL
hours

Coffee Needed

167 g

Coffee (cups)2.0 cups
Water Needed1,000 mL
Servings (diluted if concentrate)8 servings

How to Calculate Cold Brew Ratio

Common Ratios (Coffee : Water by weight)

  • 1:6 - Concentrate. Dilute 1:1 with water, milk, or ice before serving. Bold, strong flavor.
  • 1:12 - Ready to drink. No dilution needed. Balanced strength.
  • 1:15 - Light and refreshing. Good for iced coffee on hot days.
  • Steeping

    Steep ground coffee in cold or room-temperature water for 12-24 hours. Most recipes recommend 16-18 hours. Longer steeping increases extraction but can also increase bitterness.

    Grind Size

    Use a coarse grind (similar to French press). Fine grinds will over-extract and make the cold brew harsh and gritty.

    Example Calculation

    1 liter of cold brew concentrate (1:6 ratio), 18-hour steep.

    1. 01Coffee = 1000 / 6 = 167 g (about 2 cups)
    2. 02Water = 1000 mL
    3. 03Steep for 18 hours in the refrigerator
    4. 04Strain and dilute 1:1 for 8 servings of 240 mL each.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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