Coffee-to-Water Ratio Guide: How Much Coffee Per Cup?
A brew ratio is just how much water you use for each gram of coffee. Get the ratio right and the rest of brewing gets easier.
What a ratio means
A 1:16 ratio means 1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water. Water weighs about 1 gram per milliliter, so that's also 1 gram of coffee per 16 ml of water.
- Lower number, like 1:14: stronger coffee.
- Higher number, like 1:17: lighter coffee.
Common starting points
These are popular starting ratios, not rules:
| Method | Starting ratio |
|---|---|
| Pour over | 1:15 to 1:17 |
| Drip coffee maker | 1:15 to 1:17 |
| French press | 1:12 to 1:15 |
| AeroPress | 1:12 to 1:16 |
| Espresso | 1:2 (liquid out) |
Quick examples at 1:16
| Coffee | Water |
|---|---|
| 15 g | 240 g |
| 20 g | 320 g |
| 30 g | 480 g |
| 40 g | 640 g |
Strength vs extraction
Two different things change how coffee tastes:
- Strength is how concentrated it is. Change it with the ratio.
- Extraction is how much flavor you pull from the grounds. Change it with grind size, time and temperature.
If your coffee is weak but tastes fine, use more coffee. If it's sour or bitter, change the grind first. Changing the ratio won't fix a grind that's off.
Why a scale helps
Scoops vary with bean size and roast level. A scale measures the same amount every time. Some, like the Maestri House S3, let you set a ratio and calculate the water target for you. For a step-by-step routine, see our coffee scale pour over guide.
For five scales compared, see our coffee scale for pour over comparison.