Coffee to Water Ratio Calculator
Calculate the coffee and water amounts for your preferred brew strength and cup size.
Coffee Needed
How the Coffee to Water Ratio Works
A coffee to water ratio is written as "1:N", meaning 1 part coffee to N parts water by weight. A 1:16 ratio means 1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water. To find the coffee you need, divide the water amount by N.
- coffee (g) = water (g) ÷ N
- tablespoons ≈ coffee (g) ÷ 5.3
Brew Strength Guide
The right ratio depends on your taste and brewing method. Lower numbers use more coffee and produce a stronger, bolder cup; higher numbers use less coffee for a lighter, more delicate cup.
- 1:15 (Strong): Bold and intense, great for darker roasts.
- 1:16 (Medium): A balanced, widely recommended starting point.
- 1:17 (Mild): Smooth and easy-drinking.
- 1:18 (Light): Bright and delicate, common for pour-over and lighter roasts.
Note: 1 ml of water weighs about 1 gram, so grams and millilitres are interchangeable here. The tablespoon estimate assumes roughly 5.3 g of ground coffee per tablespoon; the actual amount varies with grind size and bean density. For the most consistent results, weigh your coffee with a kitchen scale.