Why the ratio matters
Coffee strength depends on how much ground coffee you use for a given amount of water. Too little coffee tastes thin and bitter as the water over-extracts the grounds; too much tastes heavy and sour. The Specialty Coffee Association's "Golden Cup" guideline is about 55 g of coffee per liter of water – roughly 1:18 – while many baristas prefer 1:15 – 1:17 for a fuller cup. BrewRatio starts from method-specific ratios and adjusts for your strength preference.
Coffee (g) = brewed water (ml) ÷ ratio · e.g. 500 ml ÷ 16 ≈ 31 g
Recommended ratios by method
| Method | Ratio | Grind | Brew time |
|---|
| Drip coffee maker | 1:16 – 1:17 | Medium | 4 – 6 min |
| Pour-over | 1:15 – 1:17 | Medium-fine | 3 – 4 min |
| French press | 1:12 – 1:15 | Coarse | 4 min |
| AeroPress | 1:12 – 1:15 | Fine-medium | 1.5 – 2 min |
| Moka pot | 1:7 – 1:10 | Fine | ~5 min |
| Cold brew concentrate | 1:4 – 1:8 | Extra coarse | 12 – 18 h |
| Espresso | 1:2 (in : out) | Very fine | 25 – 32 s |
Cups, scoops and spoons
A coffee maker's "cup" is usually 5 – 6 fl oz, not 8, which is why a 12-cup machine makes about 60 – 72 fl oz. A level tablespoon of ground coffee weighs roughly 5 – 6 g, and a standard coffee scoop is two tablespoons (about 10 – 11 g). Darker roasts are less dense, so a scoop weighs less – one reason a kitchen scale gives more consistent results.
Better coffee from any machine
- Grind just before brewing with a burr grinder for even particles.
- Use filtered water – coffee is about 98 % water.
- Brew at 195 – 205 °F (90 – 96 °C). SCA-certified drip makers are tested to reach this range.
- Rinse paper filters to remove papery taste and pre-heat the brewer.
- Clean and descale your coffee maker monthly if you have hard water.
Choosing a coffee maker
For households that drink several cups each morning, a drip machine with a thermal carafe and SCA certification makes consistent coffee with little effort. Pour-over gives the most control for one or two cups. French press makes a full-bodied cup without paper filters, and cold brew is smooth and low in acidity for iced coffee.
Frequently asked questions
How much coffee for 12 cups?
For a 12-cup drip maker (6 fl oz cups, about 2.1 liters) use about 125 – 135 g of coffee, roughly 24 – 26 tablespoons.
What is the best coffee to water ratio?
Around 1:15 to 1:17 for most brewing methods. The SCA Golden Cup standard is about 1:18.
How many tablespoons of coffee per cup?
About 1.5 – 2 level tablespoons (8 – 10 g) per 6 fl oz cup.
What ratio for French press?
Around 1:12 to 1:15 with a coarse grind and 4 minutes of steeping.
How much coffee for cold brew?
About 1:5 for a concentrate (diluted before drinking) or 1:8 for ready-to-drink cold brew.
About BrewRatio
BrewRatio is an independent, free brewing calculator based on Specialty Coffee Association guidance and common barista ratios. Adjust to taste. We are not affiliated with any coffee or coffee maker brand.
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The methodology combines widely published engineering rules of thumb, manufacturer data sheets and the electrical code practices that installers use every day. We review the assumptions regularly and update the calculator when typical product specifications change.
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Last updated: October 28, 2026
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