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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
Calculate Your Perfect Brew
Select your brew method, specify servings or water volume, and choose your strength to get precise coffee measurements in grams, tablespoons, and scoops.
This calculator is also known as Coffee to Water Ratio Calculator.
Read the complete guideWhat Does 1:16 Mean?
A 1:16 ratio means 1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams (or mL) of water. Lower ratios (1:12) produce stronger coffee; higher ratios (1:20) produce weaker coffee.
Examples
Standard Drip Ratio
2 cups of drip coffee using 6 oz coffee cups
At a 1:16 ratio with 354 mL of water, you need about 22 g of coffee (4.2 tablespoons).
Key takeaway: The 1:16 ratio produces a balanced cup that most people enjoy.
Dial In Your Ratio
Start at 1:16 and adjust based on taste.
- If coffee tastes weak or watery, decrease the ratio (e.g., 1:15 or 1:14)
- If coffee tastes bitter or astringent, increase the ratio (e.g., 1:17 or 1:18)
- For cold brew concentrate, use a much stronger ratio of 1:4 to 1:8
Frequently Asked Questions about Coffee to Water Ratio Calculator
What is the golden ratio for coffee?
The SCA Golden Cup standard defines the golden ratio as 55 g of coffee per 1 liter of water, which equals approximately 1:18.18. Most specialty coffee professionals brew in the 1:15 to 1:17 range for a slightly stronger cup.
How many tablespoons of coffee per cup?
For a standard 6 oz coffee cup at medium strength (1:16), use about 2 level tablespoons (~11 g) of medium-ground coffee. For an 8 oz measuring cup, use about 2.5-3 tablespoons.
Specialized Calculators
Choose from 6 specialized versions of this calculator, each optimized for specific use cases and calculation methods.
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