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Calculators  ·  Espresso gear

How much coffee and water for my brew?

For filter brewing, ratio decides strength. This gives you both numbers for the brewer and batch size you actually have.

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How this works

  • Bloom with roughly twice the coffee weight in water, then wait for the bubbling to settle.
  • Grind size, not ratio, fixes bitterness and sourness. Ratio sets strength.
  • Scaling up a recipe usually needs a slightly coarser grind to keep the brew time sane.

People also ask

Is 1:16 a good default?

It is the most common starting point for pour over and drip. Adjust from there by taste rather than treating it as a rule.

Does the ratio change by brew method?

Yes. Pour over and drip usually sit between 1:15 and 1:17, French press around 1:12 to 1:15, and cold brew concentrate much stronger at 1:5 to 1:8.

Should I weigh the water or measure by volume?

Weigh it. One millilitre of water is one gram, so a scale is both faster and more repeatable than a jug marked in cups.

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Method last reviewed 2026-07-29. Figures are guidance, not a substitute for the ratings printed on your own equipment.