How to Use the Coffee to Water Ratio Calculator
Using our calculator is simple: select your preferred brewing method (pour over or AeroPress), set your desired water amount in grams, and the calculator automatically shows you the exact amount of coffee needed. The calculator uses proven ratios optimized for each brewing method - 1:16.7 for pour over and 1:14.3 for AeroPress.
You can adjust either the water or coffee amount, and the calculator will update the other measurement to maintain the perfect ratio. Remember that the water amount shown is what you pour in, not your final cup volume, as coffee grounds absorb some water during brewing.
Understanding Coffee to Water Ratios
Coffee to water ratio, also known as brew ratio, determines how much coffee grounds you use relative to your water amount. This measurement directly controls the strength of your coffee - more coffee creates a stronger brew, while more water creates a milder cup.
Ratios are typically expressed as 1:15 or 1:16, meaning 1 gram of coffee to 15 or 16 grams of water. Small changes in ratio make a big difference in taste. A 1:15 ratio produces a stronger, more concentrated coffee, while 1:17 creates a lighter, more delicate cup.
Different brewing methods require different ratios because they extract coffee differently. Immersion methods like AeroPress need stronger ratios, while pour over methods can use slightly weaker ratios.
Why Measure Coffee by Weight, Not Volume
Coffee should always be measured by weight (grams) rather than volume (tablespoons or scoops) because coffee density varies dramatically. Different roast levels, bean origins, and grind sizes all affect how much space coffee occupies, making volume measurements unreliable.
A tablespoon of Kenyan SL28 variety will weigh differently than a tablespoon of the large Pacamara beans. Even the same coffee can vary - whole beans take up different space depending on their size and shape, while ground coffee compacts differently based on grind size.
Using a digital scale ensures consistency and allows you to replicate great cups of coffee. Grams are the international standard, making it easy to share and follow recipes from coffee professionals worldwide.
Is It Better to Brew Small or Large Batches?
Smaller batches consistently produce better coffee than large ones. Our calculator caps water at 800 ml because brewing larger amounts makes it difficult to achieve even saturation and consistent extraction across all the coffee grounds.
The largest Aeropress, the AeroPress XL, limits water to 500 ml.
For multiple cups, it's better to brew consecutive small batches rather than one large batch. You'll get more consistent, flavorful results every time.
Tips for Brewing a Better Cup of Coffee
Start with the correct ratio: Use our calculator to get the foundation right. Even the best beans and equipment won't save poorly proportioned coffee.
Use freshly roasted coffee: Coffee tastes best within two months after roasting. At Bean Portal, we ship coffee from Europe's finest specialty roasters within days of roasting, ensuring you always have fresh beans for optimal brewing.
Invest in quality water: Since water makes up 98% of your cup, it dramatically impacts taste. Use filtered water with balanced mineral content - avoid distilled water (too flat) and hard tap water (too harsh).
Grind just before brewing: Pre-ground coffee loses flavor quickly. Grind your beans right before brewing for maximum freshness and flavor.
Use a digital scale: Consistent measurements lead to consistent results. Weighing your coffee and water is the easiest way to improve your brewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my coffee taste weak or strong?
If your coffee tastes weak, you're likely using too little coffee for the amount of water, or your grind is too coarse. Try increasing your coffee amount or using a finer grind. If it tastes too strong or bitter, reduce the coffee amount or use a coarser grind. Small ratio adjustments make big differences - try changing by 1-2 grams of coffee at a time.
Can I use tablespoons instead of grams?
While we strongly recommend using a scale, you can measure how many grams your tablespoon or coffee scoop holds and use that conversion. However, remember that whole beans vary significantly in size - Ethiopian Heirloom beans are much smaller than Pacamara beans, so your tablespoon will hold different weights. Ground coffee is more consistent, but even then, different grind sizes affect how much fits in a spoon.
Should I adjust my coffee ratio for different brewing methods?
Yes, absolutely. Different brewing methods extract coffee differently and require adjusted ratios. Immersion brewing methods like AeroPress taste better with stronger ratios (like our recommended 1:14.3). Pour over methods can use slightly weaker ratios (like 1:16.7). Our calculator automatically adjusts these ratios for optimal results with each method.
Ready to brew the perfect cup?
Now that you know the perfect ratios, get freshly roasted specialty coffee from Europe's best roasters delivered to your door. Start your Bean Portal subscription and taste the difference quality beans make.