Coffee to Water Ratio Calculator
Choose how many cups you want and how strong you like them. The calculator returns the coffee and water in grams, plus a spoon estimate for when you are not weighing.
| Cups | Coffee | Water |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15.0 g | 240 g |
| 2 | 30.0 g | 480 g |
| 3 | 45.0 g | 720 g |
| 4 | 60.0 g | 960 g |
| 5 | 75.0 g | 1200 g |
| 6 | 90.0 g | 1440 g |
| 7 | 105.0 g | 1680 g |
| 8 | 120.0 g | 1920 g |
Why weights beat scoops
A scoop of coarse French press grounds and a scoop of fine espresso grounds weigh different amounts. Beans also settle and go stale, so volume drifts over time. A scale removes the guesswork, and a 1:16 ratio stays consistent whether you brew two cups or twelve.
Ratios by brew method
Pour over and drip coffee usually sit between 1:15 and 1:17. French press often tastes fuller at 1:14 because the metal mesh lets more oils and fines through. Cold brew is different, since it brews as a concentrate and gets diluted before serving.
How to adjust to your taste
If the cup tastes weak and watery, use less water or a touch more coffee. If it tastes bitter and sharp, do the opposite, and consider a coarser grind. Make one change at a time and keep the ratio you like written down for next time.
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Questions about this calculator
How much coffee do I use per cup of water?
A good starting point is 15 g to 18 g of coffee per 240 ml cup of water, which lines up with the 1:14 to 1:16 range. Adjust within that window to taste.
What is the best coffee to water ratio?
Most brewers settle between 1:15 and 1:17. The balanced standard is 1:16. Use 1:15 or 1:14 if you like a stronger, heavier cup and 1:17 or 1:18 for a lighter one.
How many tablespoons is 1:16 coffee?
At 1:16, one 240 ml cup needs about 15 g of coffee, which is roughly one heaped tablespoon or three level teaspoons. Ground coffee varies, so a scale is more reliable than a spoon.
Does the ratio change for French press?
French press often tastes better a little stronger, around 1:14, because the mesh filter lets more oils through. If it tastes muddy, use a slightly coarser grind and a 1:15 ratio.
Should I measure water by weight or volume?
Water is close enough to 1 g per ml that either works, so 240 ml of water is about 240 g. Weighing is easier when you pour to a target on the same scale you used for the coffee.
How do I make my coffee stronger without making it bitter?
Add a little more coffee rather than extending the brew time. Longer contact past the ideal point pulls bitter compounds. A slightly finer grind plus a touch more coffee usually tastes better than oversteeping.
How much coffee for a full pot?
A standard 12 cup drip pot holds about 60 oz, or 1.8 liters. At 1:16 that is about 110 g of coffee. Scale the number of cups in the calculator to match your pot.