Coffee Ratio Calculator
Brew barista-quality coffee at home with precise specialty coffee brew ratios. Whether brewing with a V60 pour over, French press, Chemex, Aeropress, or cold brew maker, this tool calculates the exact grams of coffee grounds and water required for balanced extraction.
Choose whether you want to measure coffee grounds or water first
Ground coffee mass in grams, or water volume in mL
Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) golden cup brewing benchmarks
Target mass of brewing water at ~200°F (93°C)
How to Use This Calculator
- Select whether you want to dose by available coffee beans or desired water volume.
- Enter the weight of your coffee grounds in grams (or target cup volume).
- Select your brew method (Pour Over, French Press, Aeropress, Cold Brew).
- Tare your digital kitchen scale with your brewer and pour according to the target water mass.
Formula & Calculation Methodology
Water mass is calculated from coffee grounds using Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) extraction guidelines. Spent coffee grounds retain approximately twice their dry weight in absorbed moisture, reducing final in-cup yield accordingly.
Worked Example
Brewing a morning pour over using 20 grams of specialty coffee at a 1:16 ratio
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I weigh coffee in grams instead of using scoops or tablespoons?↓
Coffee beans vary wildly in density based on roast level and origin. Dark roasts are less dense than light roasts; a tablespoon can weigh between 4g and 8g. Weighing in grams ensures consistent taste and extraction every cup.
What is the SCA "Golden Cup" standard ratio?↓
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) defines the Golden Cup standard as 55 grams of coffee per 1,000 grams of water (approximately 1:18.18) down to 60g/L (1:16.67), targeting 18% to 22% total dissolved solids (TDS) extraction.
How does grind size affect the brew ratio?↓
Grind size dictates extraction speed rather than mass ratio. French press requires coarse grinds for long 4-minute steeping, pour over uses medium grinds, and espresso requires fine grinds under high pressure.
What limitation should I know about cold brew dilution ratios?↓
This calculator models ready-to-drink cold brew concentrate at a 1:8 ratio. If serving over ice or cutting with milk, you may want to dilute the brewed concentrate 1:1 with filtered water.
Related Calculators
Source Citation & Disclaimer
Informational tool only; not licensed tax, legal, or financial advice.