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French Press Coffee Calculator
Calculate the ideal coffee-to-water ratio for your French press. Enter press size or number of mugs, choose strength, get amounts in grams, tablespoons, and scoops.
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Try an Example
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Morning Drip Coffee
Two standard cups of medium-strength drip coffee.
Key values: 2 cups (6 oz each) · Medium strength · Arabica beans
Espresso Double Shot
A classic double espresso with standard extraction.
Key values: 18g dose · Normale profile · 25-30 sec pull
Cold Brew Concentrate
A batch of cold brew concentrate for the week.
Key values: 500 mL water · Strong ratio 1:4 · 18-24 hr steep
V60 Pour-Over
A single precise pour-over with bloom calculation.
Key values: 1 cup · Medium-strong · Bloom water shown
French Press: Full Immersion Brewing
The French press (also called a cafetière or press pot) uses full immersion — coffee grounds steep in hot water for the entire brew time. Unlike pour-over, where water passes through quickly, immersion gives the water prolonged contact with the coffee, producing a full-bodied, rich cup.
The Golden Ratio
The recommended coffee-to-water ratio for French press is:
For a standard 34 oz (1 liter) French press:
| Press size | Water | Coffee (1:15) | Coffee (1:12 strong) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 oz / 350 ml | 350 g | 23 g | 29 g |
| 17 oz / 500 ml | 500 g | 33 g | 42 g |
| 34 oz / 1 L | 1000 g | 67 g | 83 g |
| 51 oz / 1.5 L | 1500 g | 100 g | 125 g |
Brewing Parameters
Grind Size
Coarse — like sea salt. Fine grinds over-extract and pass through the mesh filter, creating a muddy cup.
Water Temp
195–205°F (90–96°C). Just off the boil. Too hot scorches the coffee; too cool under-extracts.
Steep Time
4 minutes is standard. Shorter = under-extracted (sour); longer = over-extracted (bitter).
Extraction Science
Coffee extraction is the percentage of solubles dissolved from the grounds into the water. The target is extraction:
Below 18%, coffee tastes sour and thin (under-extracted). Above 22%, it becomes bitter and astringent (over-extracted). The coarse grind, moderate temperature, and 4-minute steep of French press are calibrated to hit this window.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal coffee-to-water ratio for French press?
The recommended ratio is 1:15 (grams of coffee to grams of water). For a standard 34 oz (1 liter) French press, use about 67 g of coarsely ground coffee. For a stronger cup, try 1:12; for a lighter cup, use 1:17.
How long should French press coffee steep?
Steep for 4 minutes. Shorter steeping (under 3 minutes) results in sour, under-extracted coffee. Longer steeping (over 5 minutes) produces bitter, over-extracted flavors. Use a timer for consistency.
What grind size should I use for French press?
Use a coarse grind, similar to the texture of sea salt. Fine grinds over-extract during the long steep time and pass through the mesh filter, creating a muddy, gritty cup.
What water temperature is best for French press?
Use water at (), which is just off the boil. Water that is too hot scorches the coffee and produces bitterness. Water below under-extracts, resulting in a weak, sour cup.
Why is French press coffee stronger than drip?
French press uses full immersion brewing with a metal mesh filter that allows oils and fine particles to pass through, producing a fuller body. Drip coffee uses paper filters that absorb oils. French press also typically uses a stronger ratio (1:15) than drip (1:16 to 1:18).
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