Coffee to Water Ratio Calculator
Enter the coffee dose and brew method to instantly get the required water and the coffee-to-water ratio. One tap for pour-over, French press, or cold brew.
Input Data
Results
At a glance:Enter the coffee dose and brew method to instantly get the required water and the coffee-to-water ratio. One tap for pour-over, French press, or cold brew.
Formula
Water (ml) = coffee dose (g) × ratio (e.g. 1:17 means 1g coffee to 17g/ml water).
1 ml water ≈ 1 g.
$$V_{water} = m_{coffee} \times r$$How to Use
- Pick the brew method and strength.
- Enter the coffee ground weight in grams.
- The calculator returns the water needed and the coffee-to-water ratio.
FAQ
What does a 1:17 coffee-to-water ratio mean?
It means 1 g of coffee to 17 ml of water. A larger ratio makes weaker coffee, a smaller one stronger. Pour-over typically uses 1:15 to 1:18.
Can I measure without a scale?
Roughly use a spoon: 1 tablespoon of coffee is about 5–7 g. For precise ratios use a coffee scale readable to 0.1 g, since small errors matter a lot.
Why does cold brew use such a strong ratio?
Cold brew steeps in cold water for a long time and extracts slowly, so it needs more coffee to taste right. After 12–18 hours it is diluted with water or milk.
Why can a French press be so strong?
A French press uses a metal mesh that keeps more fine grounds and oils, giving a fuller body. Strong 1:11 gives higher caffeine and concentration.
Which ratio for a drip machine?
Same as pour-over: pick 1:17 (Regular) or 1:15 (Strong). Enter the water level and dose for your machine.
Can I work back from water to dose?
Yes. Divide water by the ratio to get the dose, e.g. 500 ml ÷ 17 ≈ 29 g. This calculator takes the dose; adjust until the water matches your need.
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References
Content review: Calculatorism Science Team. Results are for reference only; please refer to the relevant authorities for the official figures.