The Golden Ratio for Coffee
The Specialty Coffee Association recommends a 1:15 to 1:18 ratio by weight. At 1:15, 25 g of coffee in 375 mL of water produces a strong, full-bodied cup. At 1:17, the same 25 g in 425 mL gives a cleaner, lighter result. Most home drip machines are calibrated around 1:16.
Ratio by Brew Method
Espresso uses a concentrated 1:2 ratio — 18 g of coffee in 36 mL of water. French press works best at 1:12 to 1:14. AeroPress is flexible: 1:10 for concentrate, 1:16 for standard strength. Cold brew concentrates use 1:4, then dilute 1:1 with water or milk before serving.
Adjusting for Taste
If your coffee tastes bitter, try a coarser grind before reducing the dose. If it tastes thin and sour, grind finer or increase coffee slightly. Water temperature matters too: 195–205°F (90–96°C) extracts best. Lower temperatures tend to underextract, producing sour or flat flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much coffee for one cup?
For a standard 8 oz (237 mL) cup at a 1:16 ratio, you need about 15 g (roughly 1.5 tablespoons) of ground coffee.
Does the type of coffee affect the ratio?
Lightly roasted beans are denser and often benefit from a slightly higher dose (1:15). Darker roasts extract more quickly and can taste bitter at the same ratio.
Should I measure coffee by weight or volume?
Weight is more consistent. Tablespoon measurements vary significantly with grind size. A kitchen scale accurate to 1 gram gives much more repeatable results.