What Coffee-to-Water Ratio Should You Use?

Great coffee starts with balance, and your coffee-to-water ratio is one of the easiest variables to control.

A brew ratio describes how much coffee you use compared with the amount of water. For many common brewed-coffee methods, 1:15 to 1:17 is a useful starting range. A simple place to begin is 1:16, or 16 grams of water for every gram of coffee.

For example:

20 g coffee + 320 g water
Approximately 0.7 oz coffee + 10.8 fl oz water

No scale? A practical household starting point is about 2 level tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 fluid ounces of water. Spoon measurements are approximate because different coffees and grind sizes can occupy the same volume while weighing different amounts.

There isn't one perfect ratio for every coffee or every person. Brewing method, roast profile, grind size and personal taste can all influence where you land. If you want a more concentrated cup, experiment with more coffee relative to the water. For a less concentrated cup, try more water.

For the greatest accuracy and consistency, use a digital scale. Measuring by weight makes it much easier to repeat a cup you love.

BREW BETTER: Start around 1:16 and adjust to taste. No scale? About 2 level tablespoons per 6 fl oz of water is an easy starting point. The goal isn't to follow a ratio perfectly. It's to find your balance and make it repeatable.

Consistency gives you a starting point. Experimentation makes it yours. ☕