Coffee to water ratio tells you how much coffee you need for a set amount of water. It’s written like this: 1:16. That means 1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water.
This ratio controls how strong or light your coffee tastes.
How Much Coffee Grounds Per Cup?
For one standard 8-ounce (240 ml) cup of coffee, use:
15 to 18 grams of coffee grounds
or
2 to 3 level tablespoons
That gives you a good starting ratio of about 1:16 (1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water), which works well for most brew methods like pour over or drip.
Stronger cup? Use closer to 18 grams.
Lighter cup? Stick to 15 grams.
Using a scale makes it exact. Using spoons still works if you’re consistent.
Best Ratio for Different Brew Methods
Different brewing methods need different coffee-to-water ratios. Here’s what works best:
Pour Over – 1:15 to 1:17
French Press – 1:12 to 1:15
AeroPress – 1:10 to 1:13
Cold Brew – 1:5 for concentrate, 1:15 when diluted
Drip Machine – 1:16
Espresso – About 1:2
Use these as starting points. You can tweak the numbers depending on how strong or light you like it.
How to Measure Coffee and Water
For the most accurate brew, use a digital scale.
Weigh both your coffee and your water in grams.
Example:
15 grams of coffee × 16 = 240 grams of water
No scale? You can still measure:
1 tablespoon of ground coffee = about 5 grams
1 cup of water = about 240 grams
It won’t be perfect, but it’s close enough if you’re just getting started. The key is staying consistent. Same tools, same scoop, same cup… that’s how you get better results.
Common Ratio Mistakes
- Eyeballing leads to bad coffee. Use a scale or the same scoop every time.
- Coffee beans vary in size. A scoop of one roast might weigh more than another.
- The same ratio won’t work for everything. Pour over and cold brew need different setups.
- You’ll get a muddy, bitter cup. Stick to the proper balance.
Tips for Better Accuracy
Use a scale. Even a cheap one does the job.
Weigh both your coffee and water in grams.
Stick to the same ratio until you get a feel for it.
Keep notes. Write down the ratio, brew time, and how it tasted.
Over time, you’ll know exactly what works for you… no guessing, no wasted beans.