Getting your coffee-to-water ratio right is the difference between a meh cup and a magical one. Whether you’re using a French press, drip maker, or pour-over, this guide lays out foolproof ratios (with and without a scale) so you can brew better—every time.
🔢 The Golden Ratio (Barista Approved)
Start with this:
- 1 gram of coffee per 15–18 grams of water
- Or roughly 1–2 tablespoons per 6 ounces of water
Want it stronger? Use a 1:15 ratio.
Prefer it mild? Go 1:17 or 1:18.
What If I Like It Stronger?
Don’t be afraid to experiment! If your brew tastes weak, drop your ratio to 1:14 or even 1:12 for a richer flavor. Love a lighter sip? Go up to 1:18. These ratios are flexible starting points—not rules carved in stone.
🥄 No Scale? No Problem
Use this scoop guide:
- 1 scoop = 2 tablespoons = ~10 grams
- For a 6 oz cup: 1 scoop
- For a 12 oz mug: 2 scoops
- For a full pot (48 oz): 8 scoops
👉 Quick tip: Always adjust to your taste—start with 1 scoop per 6 oz and tweak from there.
⚖️ Using a Scale (for Consistency Nerds 😎)
- Weigh your water in grams (1 gram = 1 mL)
- Divide by your target ratio (e.g. 16)
- Example: 300g water ÷ 16 = 18.75g coffee
- Brew. Taste. Adjust.
Scale vs Scoop: Which Is Better?
If you’re just starting out, scoops are convenient—but scales offer unmatched accuracy. Using a scale ensures you’re never over- or under-extracting your grounds. Even an inexpensive kitchen scale can instantly improve your coffee game.
Scoops work fine for casual brewing, but if you’re chasing café-level consistency and flavor, switching to grams will give you better control and repeatable results.
🛠️ Ratio Chart by Brewing Method
Here’s how much coffee to use depending on your brew method. Use this as a quick reference when adjusting your ratios.
| Brewing Method | Water:Coffee Ratio | 12 oz Brew (355 ml) | Scoops (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drip Coffee | 16:1 | ~22g coffee | ~2¼ scoops |
| French Press | 12:1 | ~30g coffee | ~3 scoops |
| Pour Over | 15–17:1 | ~21–24g coffee | ~2–2.5 scoops |
| Cold Brew (Strong) | 8:1 | ~45g coffee | ~4.5 scoops |
Do Ratios Change by Country or Roast?
Yes, ratios can vary depending on culture and roast level.
In Italy and many parts of Europe, coffee is often brewed stronger—closer to a 1:12 or 1:14 ratio. In the U.S., a 1:16 ratio is standard for drip or pour-over.
Roast level also matters. Dark roasts feel bolder, so you may use slightly less coffee. Light roasts tend to be more delicate and acidic, so a slightly stronger ratio like 1:15 helps bring out the flavor.
There’s no one-size-fits-all—adjust based on your roast and taste preference.
Can I Use the Same Ratio for Iced Coffee?
Yes, but you’ll want to tweak it a little. When making iced coffee, you’re usually pouring the brew over ice, which dilutes it. To compensate, many coffee lovers use a stronger ratio—around 1:12 or 1:13.
If you’re brewing hot and pouring over ice (aka Japanese iced coffee), go stronger so it doesn’t taste watery. If you’re doing a cold brew, use a high-strength concentrate (like a 1:8 ratio), then dilute with water or milk when serving.
Bottom line: the ratio changes depending on how you make it—but stronger is usually better when ice is involved.
🔥 Pro Tips for a Better Brew
- Use fresh beans — grind just before brewing
- Match the grind size to your brew method
- Use filtered water between 195–205°F
- Let your coffee bloom (especially in pour-over) for better flavor
😫 Common Brewing Mistakes
- Too little coffee → weak, sour brew
- Too much coffee → bitter and harsh
- Wrong grind size → uneven or muddy flavor
✅ Try This at Home
- Pick your brewing method
- Measure your water and coffee (or use scoops)
- Brew and taste
- Adjust the ratio until you find your perfect cup
- Bonus: Write it down so you can repeat the magic tomorrow ☕💪
Quick FAQs
How many tablespoons is 10 grams of coffee?
About 2 tablespoons, depending on your grind size and bean density.
Can I reuse coffee grounds for a second cup?
Technically yes, but the second brew is often bitter and weak. Fresh grounds are best if you’re aiming for flavor.
Does grind size affect the ratio?
Not the ratio itself—but grind size affects how the water extracts the coffee. Fine grinds extract faster (e.g. espresso), while coarse grinds need more steep time (e.g. French press).
How Does Grind Size Affect Coffee Strength?
Grind size doesn’t just affect how fast water moves through the grounds—it also affects flavor. Too fine a grind can lead to over-extraction, making your coffee taste bitter. On the other hand, too coarse a grind might under-extract, giving you a sour or weak cup.
Each brewing method has its sweet spot:
- French press? Go coarse.
- Drip coffee? Medium grind.
- Espresso? Super fine.
If you find your coffee tasting off—even when using the right ratio—try adjusting the grind. It’s often the hidden culprit behind bad brews.
What’s the Easiest Ratio for Beginners?
If the idea of weighing grams and calculating ratios makes your brain hurt before coffee—don’t worry. The easiest beginner method is:
1 tablespoon of coffee for every 4–6 ounces of water.
It’s not perfect, but it gets you very close to that golden 1:15–1:17 ratio.
Got a 12 oz mug? Start with 2 tablespoons.
Making a whole pot? Try 8–9 tablespoons for 48 oz of water.
Once you get comfortable, you can dial it in using a scale or adjusting based on taste. Brewing great coffee is more about consistency than perfection.
Final Sip
Knowing how much coffee to use per cup is the key to becoming your own barista. Start with a solid ratio, tweak to your taste, and enjoy café-quality coffee without leaving home.