Ratios.  The very mention of the word takes me back to middle school math class, staring out the window daydreaming about being anywhere else but the classroom and wondering where on earth I would use this knowledge.  As with many things, in hindsight, my adolescent mind didn’t know what it didn’t know about ratios and life in general.  Including using ratios for coffee brewing.  Don’t worry, when used for making awesome coffee, these ratios are plenty of fun and certainly more useful than the examples used in my old math class.   

Using ratios is one of the best ways to make consistently good coffee without complicating it.  We want our coffee to add to our day, not give us one more thing to do or check off a list.

Coffee ratios may sound like something only professional baristas and coffee scientists need to know.  Contrary to my middle school math experience, ratios are much simpler and help to make our life easier than we first thought. 

A coffee ratio is just a recipe. It tells you how much coffee to use for a certain amount of water.  Easy.

Once you find the right ratio, you can stop guessing. No more tossing random scoops into the coffee maker and hoping for the best.

The most popular starting point is the 1:16 coffee ratio.  You may hear this referred to as the ‘golden rule’ of coffee ratios. 

This golden rule simply means using one gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water.

For example:

• 20 grams of coffee needs about 320 grams of water.
• 30 grams of coffee needs about 480 grams of water.
• 60 grams of coffee needs about 960 grams of water.

This is often called the golden ratio for coffee because it makes a balanced cup with many popular brewing methods.

Is 1:16 the only ratio you can use?

Not at all.

Think of it as a dependable place to begin. From there, you can make your coffee stronger, lighter, richer, or whatever you prefer!  It’s your mug and your coffee experience, so let’s get the party started and see how beneficial ratios can be to use. 

What Is a Coffee-to-Water Ratio?

A coffee-to-water ratio tells you how much coffee to use compared with the amount of water.

When you see a ratio like 1:16:

• The first number stands for coffee.
• The second number stands for water.

That’s it. No advanced math required.

Using a kitchen scale is the easiest way to measure coffee and water. Water is especially simple because one milliliter of water weighs about one gram.

For example, 400 milliliters of water weighs about 400 grams.

You can still make good coffee with tablespoons and measuring cups. A scale simply makes it easier to repeat a great cup tomorrow.

Coffee beans can have different sizes and weights. Roast level also makes a difference. One tablespoon of light-roasted coffee may not weigh the same as one tablespoon of dark-roasted coffee, due to some roast and beans expanding more during the roasting process than others. 

Measuring by weight removes some of that guesswork.

The good news is that you do not need a café full of equipment. A small kitchen scale, good coffee and a dependable ratio can make a noticeable difference.

Better brewing starts with better beans. Explore our freshly roasted Organic, Fairtrade coffees and choose whole bean or a custom grind for your favorite brewing method.

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The Golden Coffee Ratio: 1:16

The 1:16 coffee ratio is a great starting point for drip coffee, pour-over, Chemex, and many other filtered brewing methods.

Here are a few common recipes:

Coffee	Water	Approximate Yield
15 grams	240 grams	One 8-ounce cup
20 grams	320 grams	One large mug
30 grams	480 grams	Two smaller cups
45 grams	720 grams	Three cups
60 grams	960 grams	About four 8-ounce cups

One important note: the “cups” marked on a coffee maker may not be the same size as the cups in your kitchen.

Many coffee makers count one cup as only five or six ounces. Your favorite mug may hold 10, 12, or even 16 ounces. 

That can make the numbered lines on the coffee maker confusing.

For the most consistent results, measure the actual amount of water you put into the brewer instead of depending only on those lines.

How to Make the 1:16 Ratio Stronger or Lighter

Changing coffee ratio is easier than it looks.

A lower second number means you are using more coffee compared with water.

• 1:14 makes a strong, full cup.
• 1:15 is moderately strong.
• 1:16 is balanced.
• 1:17 is a little lighter.
• 1:18 is light

For stronger coffee, try using a little more coffee before changing everything else.

For lighter coffee, use slightly less coffee or add a little more water.

Make small changes.

Moving from 1:16 to 1:15 may not look like much on paper, but you can often taste the difference.

Coffee Ratio for Drip Coffee Makers

Automatic drip coffee makers are popular for a reason. Add water, add coffee, press a button, and let the machine handle the rest.

A good starting ratio for drip coffee is:

1:16

You can also experiment between:

1:15 and 1:17

Here are a few examples:

• 30 grams of coffee with 480 grams of water
• 45 grams of coffee with 720 grams of water
• 60 grams of coffee with 960 grams of water

Use a medium grind for most drip coffee makers.

When drip coffee tastes weak, it is tempting to keep adding more coffee. That may help, but your grind size could also be the problem.

If the coffee is ground too coarse, water may pass through it too quickly. The water does not have enough time to pull out all the good flavors.  Bonus tip – avoid using distilled water as it lacks the necessary minerals to pull the flavors out of the coffee grounds. 

If the coffee tastes harsh, dry, or bitter, the grind may be too fine. Fine coffee grounds can slow the water down and cause it to pull out too much.

Your coffee ratio matters, but it works together with grind size.

Think of coffee ratios and grind as teammates. When both are working well, your morning cup has a much better chance of winning.  And in turn, so do you!

Coffee Ratio for French Press

French press coffee is known for its rich flavor and full body.

Because the coffee grounds sit directly in the water, French press can handle a slightly stronger ratio.

A great starting point is:

1:15

For a stronger French press, try:

1:13 or 1:14

For a lighter cup, try:

1:16

Here are a few examples:

• 20 grams of coffee with 300 grams of water
• 30 grams of coffee with 450 grams of water
• 40 grams of coffee with 600 grams of water
• 60 grams of coffee with 900 grams of water

Use a coarse, even grind.

Let the coffee steep for about four minutes as your starting point.  Again, starting point and adjust for preference. 

When the coffee is finished brewing, press the plunger down slowly. Then pour the coffee into your mug or another container.

Try not to leave the brewed coffee sitting on the grounds for too long. The longer it stays there, the more bitter it may become.

If your French press tastes muddy or gritty, your grind may be too fine.

If it tastes weak or sour, try one of these changes:

• Grind the coffee slightly finer.
• Add a little more coffee.
• Let it steep a little longer.

Change one thing at a time. That makes it easier to figure out what helped.  Like middle school science class, change one variable at a time. 

Coffee Ratio for Pour-Over Coffee

Pour-over brewing gives you more control over how the water moves through the coffee.  Plus, it’s usually a relaxing experience that helps you slow down in your day. 

It can bring out the natural sweetness, fruit, chocolate, and floral flavors already inside the beans.

A dependable pour-over ratio is:

1:16

A helpful range is:

1:15 to 1:17

For one larger cup, try:

• 20 grams of coffee
• 320 grams of water

For two cups, try:

• 30 grams of coffee
• 480 grams of water

Use a medium-fine grind as your starting point.

Begin by pouring just enough hot water over the grounds to wet them evenly.

Then wait about 30 to 45 seconds.

This step is called the bloom.

Fresh coffee releases trapped gas when water first touches it. Letting the coffee bloom helps the rest of the water move more evenly through the coffee bed.  Like why our coffee bags have a one-way valve called a degassing valve to allow the gas out, but not oxygen in to help keep your coffee fresh longer!

After the bloom, continue pouring slowly and steadily.

If the water drains too quickly and the coffee tastes thin or sour, grind a little finer.

If the water drains very slowly and the coffee tastes dry or bitter, grind a little coarser.

The ratio gives you the recipe. Your grind and pouring style help bring it to life.

Coffee Ratio for Chemex

A Chemex is a type of pour-over brewer, but it uses a thicker paper filter.

That thick filter creates a very clean cup by holding back more oils and tiny coffee particles.

Start with:

1:16 or 1:17

For example:

• 30 grams of coffee with 480 to 510 grams of water
• 45 grams of coffee with 720 to 765 grams of water
• 60 grams of coffee with 960 to 1,020 grams of water

Use a medium-coarse grind.

That is usually a little coarser than the grind you would use for a smaller pour-over brewer.

Chemex filters are thick, so they can slow the water down.

If the coffee takes a very long time to drain and tastes harsh, grind a little coarser.

If it drains too quickly and tastes weak, grind slightly finer.

Coffee Ratio for Cold Brew

Cold brew ratios and recipes usually make one of two options – a ready to drink version, or a concentrate version that needs mixed with water, milk, ice or other liquids to make it ready to drink.

Before choosing a ratio, decide which kind you want to make.

Ready-to-Drink Cold Brew Ratio

For ready to drink cold brew -

1:12 to 1:15

For example:

• 80 grams of coffee with 1,000 grams of water
• 100 grams of coffee with 1,200 to 1,500 grams of water

Use coarse-ground coffee.

Steep it in cold or room-temperature water for about 12 to 18 hours.

After steeping, strain it well and store it in the refrigerator.

Cold Brew Concentrate Ratio

For a stronger concentrate, use:

1:4 to 1:8

For example:

• 125 grams of coffee with 500 grams of water
• 125 grams of coffee with 1,000 grams of water

After straining the coffee, mix the concentrate with water, milk, or ice.

A simple starting point to mix is equal parts cold brew concentrate and water.

Then taste it and adjust.

Like it stronger? Use more concentrate.

Want it lighter? Add more water or milk.

Cold brew uses time instead of hot water to pull flavor from the coffee. Because of this, it usually needs more coffee than drip or pour-over brewing.

Brewing cold brew, French press, drip, or pour-over? We offer whole bean coffee and custom grinding at no extra charge, helping you start with the right grind for the brewing method you use most.

Coffee Ratio for AeroPress

The AeroPress is portable, flexible, and forgiving.

You can use it to make a strong, concentrated cup or a lighter coffee that tastes more like a traditional filter brew.

A good starting range is:

1:12 to 1:16

For a balanced cup, try:

• 15 grams of coffee
• 225 grams of water

For a stronger cup, try:

• 18 grams of coffee
• 220 grams of water

Use a medium-fine grind to begin.

The AeroPress gives you plenty of room to experiment. You can change the water temperature, steeping time, amount of stirring, and amount of pressure.

Just try not to change all of them at the same time.

Change one detail, taste the result, and take note. That way, you will know what made the coffee better and how to adjust for next time. 

Espresso Brew Ratio

Espresso ratios work a little differently from drip coffee ratios.

With drip coffee, we compare dry coffee with the total amount of water used.

With espresso, we compare the dry coffee placed in the portafilter with the amount of liquid espresso that comes out.

A common espresso ratio is:

1:2

For example:

• 18 grams of ground coffee in
• 36 grams of espresso out

Another common recipe is:

• 20 grams of coffee in
• 40 grams of espresso out

A shorter ratio, such as 1:1.5, makes a smaller and more concentrated espresso.

A longer ratio, such as 1:2.5 or 1:3, creates a larger shot that often tastes lighter.

A 1:2 ratio is a practical place to begin.

If your espresso runs too quickly and tastes sharp, thin, or sour, use a finer grind.

If it runs too slowly and tastes harsh, dry, or bitter, use a coarser grind.

Espresso can take some practice. Do not get discouraged if your first few shots are not perfect.

Even professional baristas adjust their grinders throughout the day.

Coffee Ratio for Moka Pots

Moka pots are usually brewed according to the size and design of the brewer instead of a traditional ratio.

Fill the bottom chamber with water to just below the safety valve.

Then fill the coffee basket evenly with ground coffee.

Do not press or tamp the grounds tightly like you would for espresso.

Use a medium-fine grind that is slightly coarser than espresso.

Keep the heat at a moderate level.

When the coffee begins to finish flowing, remove the moka pot from the stove.

Too much heat can make the coffee taste harsh or burned.

With a moka pot, consistency comes from filling the brewer the same way each time. You can then adjust the grind if you need to improve the flavor.

Coffee Ratio for Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee uses very finely ground coffee.

The grounds remain in the finished drink instead of being filtered out.

A common starting ratio is:

1:10

For example:

• 7 grams of coffee
• 70 grams of water

The coffee and water are combined in a small pot called a cezve and heated slowly.

You can also add sugar before brewing.

Once the coffee is poured, let it sit briefly so the grounds can settle.

Then drink slowly and leave the final sip in the cup.

That last sip is usually where the grounds are waiting.

How Many Tablespoons of Coffee Should You Use?

A scale is the most consistent way to measure coffee, but tablespoons can still work when you need a quick cup.

One level tablespoon of ground coffee usually weighs around five to seven grams.

The exact weight depends on:

• The type of bean
• The roast level
• The grind size
• How tightly you fill the spoon

A practical starting point is:

Two tablespoons of coffee for every 10 to 12 ounces of water.

Then adjust based on your taste.

Pro Tip - weigh your normal coffee scoop one time.

Once you know how many grams it holds, you can keep using that scoop with better consistency.

Troubleshooting Your Coffee Ratio

Even with the right recipe, coffee does not always behave exactly the way we expect.

Here are a few simple fixes for common flavor problems.

My Coffee Tastes Weak

Try one of these changes:

• Use more coffee.
• Use less water.
• Grind slightly finer.
• Make sure the water is hot enough.
• Use fresher coffee.

Try moving from 1:16 to 1:15 before making a major change.

My Coffee Tastes Too Strong

Try:

• Using slightly less coffee
• Adding more water
• Moving from 1:15 to 1:16 or 1:17
• Using a slightly coarser grind if the coffee also tastes bitter

Remember that strong coffee and bitter coffee are not always the same thing.

Strong coffee is concentrated.

Bitter coffee may have had too much flavor pulled from the grounds.

My Coffee Tastes Sour

Sour coffee is often under-extracted.

That means the water did not pull enough balanced flavor from the grounds.

Try:

• Grinding finer
• Brewing a little longer
• Using hotter water
• Pouring more slowly
• Making sure all the grounds get evenly wet

My Coffee Tastes Bitter

Bitter, dry, or harsh coffee may be over-extracted.

That means the water pulled too much from the coffee.

Try:

• Grinding coarser
• Shortening the brew time
• Using slightly cooler water
• Stirring less
• Cleaning your brewing equipment

Old coffee oils can build up inside a brewer and create stale or bitter flavors.

Sometimes the problem is not your recipe. Your coffee maker may just need a good cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Ratios

What is the best coffee ratio?

The best all-purpose starting point is 1:16.

That means using one gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water.

You can then adjust the ratio based on your brewing method and taste.

Is 1:15 or 1:16 coffee stronger?

A 1:15 ratio is stronger because it uses more coffee compared with the amount of water.

A 1:16 ratio is slightly lighter.

How much coffee should I use for one cup?

For one eight-ounce cup, start with about:

• 15 grams of coffee
• 240 grams of water

How much coffee should I use for 12 ounces of water?

Twelve ounces of water weigh about 355 grams.

At a 1:16 ratio, use about 22 grams of coffee.

Should I measure coffee before or after grinding?

Weigh the whole beans before grinding.

The weight will stay almost the same after grinding, and measuring the beans first is usually cleaner and easier.

Can I use the same ratio for every brewing method?

The 1:16 ratio works well for many filter brewing methods.

However, French press, cold brew, espresso, AeroPress, moka pot, and Turkish coffee may use different ratios or brewing rules.

Does adding more coffee always make coffee taste better?

No.

Adding more coffee makes the drink more concentrated, but it does not always fix the flavor.

Grind size, water temperature, brew time, freshness, and water quality also affect how your coffee tastes.

A Simple Ratio Is the Start of Better Coffee

Coffee ratios are not meant to take the fun out of brewing.

They help take out the frustration.

Start with the golden ratio of 1:16.

Measure your coffee and water. Brew a cup. Taste it.

Then make one small change at a time.

If the cup tastes too light, use a little more coffee.

If it tastes too strong, use a little less coffee or add more water.

If it tastes sour, adjust the grind, water temperature, or brew time.

If it tastes bitter, grind coarser or shorten the brew.

That is all “dialing in” coffee means.

You start with a dependable recipe, pay attention to what you taste, and make small improvements.

At Philly Fair Trade Roasters, we believe good coffee should feel approachable.

You should not need a chemistry degree, a complicated machine, or a café full of equipment to enjoy a better cup.

Start with quality coffee that was freshly roasted with care.

Give it the right amount of water.

Pay attention to what you taste.

Then enjoy the process.

Our Organic, Fairtrade coffees are sourced with people and the planet in mind. They are small-batch roasted and available whole bean or custom ground.

No artificial flavors added, just roasted to bring out the notes of each region and country!

Because a balanced cup can be a small but meaningful part of a better morning.

Explore Organic, Fairtrade Coffee

Ready to put your new coffee ratio to work?

Explore our collection today and discover how great coffee can make every morning a little brighter.

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📚 Recommended Reading

Keep growing your coffee knowledge with these helpful articles:

Brewing & Coffee Education

• How to Store Coffee Beans for Maximum Freshness
• Best Coffee Brewing Temperature Explained
• How to Make Coffee Without a Coffee Maker
• French Press Coffee Guide for Beginners

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