A great cup of coffee starts with balance. And one of the most important elements in achieving that balance is the coffee brew ratio. Understanding how much coffee to use in relation to water is a fundamental skill every beginner barista should learn.
Whether you’re brewing with a French press, pour-over, or an espresso machine, the right coffee-to-water ratio can make all the difference in flavor, strength, and clarity.
What Is a Brew Ratio?
A brew ratio is a proportion of coffee grounds you use compared to water you use. It will usually be a ratio—for example, 1:15 or 1:17. That is, for one gram of coffee, you use 15 to 17 grams of water.
For example:
20g of coffee with a 1:15 ratio = 300g (ml) of water
20g of coffee with a 1:17 ratio = 340g (ml) of water
The smaller the second number, the more dense the coffee. The larger the number, the more diluted or lighter the coffee.
Standard Brew Ratios by Method
Here’s a handy reference for recommended starting points:
French Press: 1:15 to 1:17
Pour-Over (e.g. Hario V60, Chemex): 1:16
Drip Machine: 1:15
Aeropress: 1:14 (or even higher for espresso-style)
Espresso: Typically 1:2 (very dense)
Cold Brew: 1:5 to 1:8 for concentrate (dilute with water or milk before serving)
Tools You’ll Need
To brew accurately, it’s helpful to use a kitchen scale. While scoops and tablespoons might work in a pinch, weighing your coffee ensures consistency and precision. A basic digital scale is affordable and improves your coffee instantly.
Pro tip: Measure coffee and water by weight (grams), not by volume (cups or ounces), for the most consistent results.
Tasting and Adjusting
There is no one ratio for all people. Use the guidelines above as a starting point, then experiment to your taste.
Is your coffee too weak? Less water or more coffee.
Is it too strong or bitter? Experiment with a bit more water next time.
Experimentation is part of the learning process. By keeping notes of your ratios and results, you’ll quickly discover what works best for your taste preferences.
The Golden Ratio for Beginners
If you’re new and want a solid starting point, go with:
1:16 ratio (e.g. 20g coffee to 320g water)
This strikes a good balance between strength and smoothness, especially for pour-over or drip methods.
Final Thoughts
Achieving the ratio of coffee brewing is akin to hitting the harmony of great coffee brewing. With minimal attention to numbers and a balance, you can transform your home brews from “meh” to “wow” immediately. It’s a simple adjustment that makes such a big difference—just like a real barista would.
The next time you brew coffee, measure it. Your taste buds will thank you.
