Coffee Brew Ratio

Water volume from grounds and brew ratio.

Inputs

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Formula

water = coffee(g) × ratio

Specialty coffee often uses 1:15 to 1:18 coffee-to-water by mass. Ratio is water grams (≈ mL) per gram of coffee.

Worked example

18 g coffee at 1:16 needs about 288 mL water — a standard single cup pour-over.

Where this can give the wrong answer

  • Grind size and time affect strength at the same ratio.
  • Espresso uses much shorter ratios (~1:2) — different mode mentally.
  • Scale water as hot input; some absorbs into grounds.

FAQ

1 mL water ≈ 1 g — mass and volume are interchangeable for brewing.