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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 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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