| Method | Ratio | Temperature | Time | Grind Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| drip | 1:16 | 195-205°F (90-96°C) | 4-6 minutes | Medium |
| pour over | 1:15 | 195-205°F (90-96°C) | 2.5-4 minutes | Medium-fine |
| french press | 1:15 | 195-205°F (90-96°C) | 4 minutes | Coarse |
| aeropress | 1:12 | 175-185°F (80-85°C) | 1-2 minutes | Fine |
| espresso | 1:2 | 195-205°F (90-96°C) | 25-30 seconds | Extra fine |
| cold brew | 1:5 | Room temp or cold | 12-24 hours | Extra coarse |
| moka pot | 1:7 | Boiling (stovetop) | 4-5 minutes | Fine |
| chemex | 1:16 | 195-205°F (90-96°C) | 4-5 minutes | Medium-coarse |
Use fresh beans: Coffee is best within 2-4 weeks of roasting. Store in an airtight container away from light and heat.
Grind right before brewing: Pre-ground coffee loses flavor quickly. Invest in a burr grinder for consistent particle size.
Use filtered water: Coffee is 98% water. Tap water with chlorine or minerals can affect taste. Use filtered or bottled water.
Weigh, don't scoop: A scale is more accurate than measuring by volume. Different beans have different densities.
Control your variables: Temperature, grind size, and brew time all affect extraction. Change one variable at a time to dial in your perfect cup.
Bloom your coffee: For pour over methods, add a small amount of water (2x coffee weight) and wait 30-45 seconds. This releases CO2 and improves extraction.
Inputs
Result
Water needed: 12 oz = 355 ml. Coffee needed: 355 ml / 15 = 23.7 grams. Use medium-fine grind, 200 F water, brew for 3 minutes with 30-second bloom.
Inputs
Result
Total water: 4 cups x 8 oz = 32 oz = 946 ml. Coffee needed: 946 ml / 16 = 59.1 grams. Use medium grind, brew time 4-6 minutes.
Inputs
Result
For 1 liter of water: coffee needed 1000 ml / 5 = 200 grams. Use extra coarse grind, steep 12-24 hours, then dilute concentrate 1:1 with water or milk.
The golden ratio for coffee is typically 1:15 to 1:18 (coffee to water by weight), meaning 1 gram of coffee for every 15-18 grams (or milliliters) of water. This translates to about 55-65 grams of coffee per liter of water. However, the ideal ratio varies by brew method: drip coffee uses 1:16, pour over uses 1:15, French press uses 1:15, and espresso uses a much stronger 1:2 ratio.
For 4 standard 8-oz cups (32 oz or 946 ml total), you'll need approximately 59 grams of coffee (about 11 tablespoons) using a 1:16 drip coffee ratio. For stronger coffee, use 1:15 (63 grams) or for lighter coffee use 1:17 (56 grams). Always measure by weight for best consistency.
Pour over coffee typically uses a 1:15 ratio (1 gram of coffee to 15 grams of water). For a standard 12-oz cup (355 ml), use 24 grams of coffee. Use medium-fine grind, water between 195-205 F (90-96 C), and a total brew time of 2.5-4 minutes.
While a scale is most accurate, you can approximate: 1 tablespoon of ground coffee equals about 5-6 grams. For a 1:16 ratio and 8 oz of water (237 ml), use about 2.5-3 tablespoons of coffee. However, coffee densities vary, so results may be inconsistent. A kitchen scale is highly recommended.
Weak coffee usually means under-extraction: use more coffee, grind finer, or brew longer. Bitter coffee indicates over-extraction: use less coffee, grind coarser, use cooler water (195 F vs 205 F), or reduce brew time. Adjust one variable at a time to dial in your perfect cup.
Cold brew concentrate uses a much stronger ratio of 1:5 to 1:7 (coffee to water). For 1 liter of water, use 140-200 grams of coffee (extra coarse grind). Steep for 12-24 hours, then dilute concentrate 1:1 or to taste.
See all cooking and brewing tools
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.