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Try an Example
Pick a scenario to see how the calculator works, then adjust the values
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
This calculator is also known as Coffee Ratio Calculator.
Read the complete guideWhy Ratios Differ by Method
Brewing physics determine the ratio. Espresso uses pressure to extract quickly from fine grounds, so it needs very little water relative to coffee (1:2). French press uses immersion over 4 minutes with coarse grounds, requiring a ratio around 1:14. Cold brew steeps for 12-24 hours, which changes extraction kinetics entirely.
Examples
Espresso vs. Drip
Comparing a double espresso to a drip coffee
Espresso: 18 g in, 36 g out (1:2). Drip: 18 g in, 288 g water (1:16). Same coffee dose, vastly different ratios.
Key takeaway: The ratio reflects the brewing physics, not just taste preference.
Match Your Method to Your Ratio
Each brewing method has an ideal ratio range based on its extraction physics.
- Never use a drip ratio (1:16) for espresso or cold brew — they need completely different ratios
- Use the ratio comparison chart to understand relative strengths across methods
- When experimenting with a new method, start at the medium preset
Frequently Asked Questions about Coffee Ratio Calculator
What is the best coffee-to-water ratio?
There is no single best ratio — it depends on your brew method. For drip: 1:15-1:17. For French press: 1:12-1:15. For espresso: 1:2. For cold brew concentrate: 1:4-1:8. Start with the medium preset for your method and adjust to taste.
What ratio should I use for French press?
The standard French press ratio is 1:14 to 1:15 for medium strength. French press benefits from a slightly stronger ratio than drip because the coarse grind and 4-minute immersion produce a different extraction profile. For a bolder cup, try 1:12.
Does cold brew use a different ratio than hot brew?
Yes. Cold brew concentrate uses a much stronger ratio of 1:4 to 1:8 because the low temperature extracts less efficiently. This concentrate is then diluted 1:1 before drinking. Ready-to-drink cold brew uses 1:12 to 1:16, similar to hot methods.
Specialized Calculators
Choose from 6 specialized versions of this calculator, each optimized for specific use cases and calculation methods.
Purpose
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