You found Stringbean Coffee, love coffee, got new gear but what’s the right coffee-to-water ratio?
The coffee-to-water ratio depends on your brewing method and taste preference. A common starting point is the Golden Ratio, which is 1:16—one part coffee to 16 parts water by weight per the Specialty Coffee Association.
Here’s a guide for popular brewing methods:
General Guidelines
Standard Ratio: 1 gram of coffee for every 15–18 grams (or mL) of water.
• Example: 20g coffee = 300–360g (mL) of water
Brewing Methods
1.Pour-Over (e.g., Chemex, V60): Ratio: 1:15 to 1:17
• Example: 20g coffee → 300–340mL water.
Drip Coffee Maker: Ratio: 1:16
• Example: 1 tablespoon coffee → ~5 ounces (150mL) water.
French Press: Ratio: 1:12 to 1:15
• Example: 30g coffee → 360–450mL water.
Espresso: Ratio: 1:2 (Ristretto) to 1:3 (Lungo)
• Example: 18g coffee → 36–54mL water.
Cold Brew: Ratio: 1:4 (concentrate) or 1:8 (ready-to-drink)
• Example: 100g coffee → 400mL water (for concentrate).
AeroPress: Ratio: 1:12 to 1:16
• Example: 15g coffee → 180–240mL water.
Adjusting for Taste
Stronger coffee: Use a lower water-to-coffee ratio (e.g., 1:12).
Weaker coffee: Use a higher water-to-coffee ratio (e.g., 1:18).
Using a scale for accuracy and grinding just before each time you brew is ideal.