Brewing guide
Coffee-to-Water Ratio: Calculator and Brewing Table
1:16 means 16 g of recipe water per gram of coffee. With 20 g coffee, use 320 g water.
Ratio helps adjust strength but cannot guarantee balanced flavour. Grind, water and contact also matter. In espresso, the second number represents beverage weight in the cup, rather than reservoir water. Keep these calculations separate.
Starting recipe
| 15 g × 16 | 240 g water |
|---|---|
| 20 g × 16 | 320 g water |
| 30 g × 16 | 480 g water |
| Filter starting range | 1:15–1:17 |
Equipment
- Gram scale
- Recipe notes
Step by step
1. Calculate water
Multiply coffee weight by the ratio number. For 30 g coffee at 1:16, 30 × 16 = 480 g water.
2. Calculate coffee
Divide target water by the ratio number. For 500 g water at 1:16, 500 ÷ 16 = 31.25 g coffee. Round to your scale’s precision.
3. Measure the serving
Brewing water and finished beverage may differ because grounds retain water. Weigh the finished drink separately when an exact serving is needed.
Different method calculations
Filter coffee may start around 1:15–1:17. Our French press recipe, 30/500, is about 1:16.7. Cold brew at 100/800 is a 1:8 concentrate starting point, diluted for serving. Espresso at 18/36 is a 1:2 beverage ratio. These numbers are not interchangeable.
Calculating iced coffee
Ice counts as recipe water: 20 g coffee, 200 g hot water and 100 g ice give 300 g total water, or 1:15. Extra serving ice changes dilution as it melts.
Troubleshooting
| Too strong | Taste with a little serving water added, then try slightly more brewing water next time. |
|---|---|
| Too weak | Reduce water or increase coffee, changing one variable at a time. |
Frequently asked questions
What changes between 1:16 and 1:17?
At the same dose, 1:17 uses more water. Flavour also depends on extraction, so do not assume only strength changes.
Can I calculate by cup count?
Cup sizes differ. Measure the water weight of your cup first, then calculate in grams.
Choosing coffee
Compare one coffee at 1:15 and 1:17 to discover your preferred strength.
Related guides
- V60 Brewing Guide: Ratio, Grind and Pouring
- How to Make Cold Brew at Home: Ratio and Filtering
- How to Make Japanese-Style Iced Filter Coffee
- How to Make Espresso at Home: Dose, Yield and Flow
These measurements are starting suggestions; adjust for your equipment and taste. The image is an AI-generated illustration.