Espresso Ratio Calculator
Work out the yield for your next shot. Type in the dose, choose a ratio, and see the target grams and ounces before you touch the grinder.
| Ratio | Yield | In ounces |
|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | 18.0 g | 0.63 oz |
| 1:1.5 | 27.0 g | 0.95 oz |
| 1:2 | 36.0 g | 1.27 oz |
| 1:2.5 | 45.0 g | 1.59 oz |
| 1:3 | 54.0 g | 1.90 oz |
How to use the numbers
Weigh the dry dose first, then pull the shot onto a scale and stop it when you hit the target yield. If the shot tastes sharp and thin, it ran too fast and the grind is too coarse. If it tastes bitter and drying, it ran long and the grind is too fine. Change one thing at a time so you can taste what moved.
Which ratio is right for your beans
Medium and dark roasts usually shine around 1:2. Lighter, fruitier beans often want a longer 1:2.5 or 1:3 to open up. If you like syrupy and intense, pull shorter at 1:1.5. There is no single correct ratio, so treat this as a starting point and let taste decide.
Why a scale beats a shot glass
Espresso volume lies. Crema and temperature change how much liquid looks like a double, so a 60 ml shot glass can hold anything from 30 g to 45 g. A 0.1 g scale reads the true yield every time. Pair it with a grinder you can adjust in small steps and dialing in gets much faster.
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Questions about this calculator
What is a good espresso ratio?
Most home shots land around 1:2, so an 18 g dose makes a 36 g shot. Shorter 1:1 to 1:1.5 ratios taste sweeter and more intense. Longer 1:2.5 to 1:3 ratios taste lighter and more acidic. Start at 1:2 and adjust to taste.
How many grams is a double espresso?
A double usually uses 16 g to 20 g of dry coffee. At a 1:2 ratio that produces a 32 g to 40 g shot. The dry dose and the ratio decide the yield, not the size of the basket alone.
What is a ristretto ratio?
A ristretto is a short, restricted shot, often 1:1 to 1:1.5. You stop the shot earlier so less water passes through the puck. The result is a smaller, sweeter, more concentrated cup.
Should I measure espresso in grams or ounces?
Grams are the standard in specialty coffee because they are precise and match a 0.1 g scale. Ounces are handy for familiar US cup sizes. One ounce is about 28.35 g, so a 36 g shot is roughly 1.27 oz.
How long should an espresso shot take?
A typical 1:2 shot runs for 25 to 30 seconds once the pump starts. Treat that as a guide. If the yield and taste are right, the exact time matters less than consistency.
What if my shot hits the yield too fast or too slow?
Change the grind, not the dose. A faster shot than expected usually means the grind is too coarse, so go finer. A very slow, drippy shot usually means the grind is too fine, so go coarser. Move the setting in small steps.
Does the ratio change for milk drinks?
For a latte or cappuccino, a slightly shorter, stronger shot at 1:1.5 to 1:2 keeps the coffee present under the milk. A long, thin shot can disappear once you add steamed milk.