Brew Better Coffee at Home

Master the perfect coffee-to-water ratio and steep time for every manual brew method. No guesswork—just consistently delicious cups.

Try the Ratio Calculator

Coffee-to-Water Ratio Chart

The Specialty Coffee Association recommends a golden ratio of 1:15 to 1:18 coffee to water. Use this reference to dial in your preferred strength.

Strong (1:15)

Bold, intense, and full-bodied. Great for milk drinks or those who love a punchy cup.

  • 250ml water → 16.7g coffee
  • 350ml water → 23.3g coffee
  • 500ml water → 33.3g coffee

Balanced (1:16)

The sweet spot for most pour-over and drip brews. Clarity and body in harmony.

  • 250ml water → 15.6g coffee
  • 350ml water → 21.9g coffee
  • 500ml water → 31.3g coffee

Light (1:17)

Brighter acidity, more delicate flavors. Ideal for single-origin light roasts.

  • 250ml water → 14.7g coffee
  • 350ml water → 20.6g coffee
  • 500ml water → 29.4g coffee

Tea-Like (1:18)

Very light body, high clarity. Preferred for cupping and delicate pour-overs.

  • 250ml water → 13.9g coffee
  • 350ml water → 19.4g coffee
  • 500ml water → 27.8g coffee

Brew Methods & Steep Times

Each method demands a specific grind size, steep time, and technique. Use this guide to nail your brew every morning.

French Press

Ratio
1:15 to 1:17
Grind
Coarse (sea salt)
Steep Time
4 minutes
Water Temp
92–96°C (198–205°F)

Break the crust at 4 minutes, skim foam, then plunge slowly. Let rest 30 seconds before pouring.

Pour-Over (V60)

Ratio
1:16 to 1:17
Grind
Medium-fine (table salt)
Brew Time
2:30–3:30 minutes
Water Temp
90–96°C (195–205°F)

Bloom with 2x coffee weight for 30–45 seconds. Pour in slow concentric circles, keeping the slurry level.

AeroPress

Ratio
1:14 to 1:16
Grind
Fine (caster sugar)
Steep Time
1–2 minutes
Water Temp
85–92°C (185–198°F)

Inverted method gives more control. Stir after adding water, steep, then press gently for 30 seconds.

Chemex

Ratio
1:15 to 1:17
Grind
Medium-coarse (rough sand)
Brew Time
3:30–4:30 minutes
Water Temp
90–94°C (195–200°F)

Thick filters need a coarser grind. Rinse filter thoroughly. Pour in stages to avoid stalling.

Moka Pot

Ratio
1:7 to 1:10 (strong)
Grind
Fine (espresso-like)
Brew Time
5–6 minutes on stove
Water Temp
Start with hot water

Fill basket level, don't tamp. Use pre-heated water in the base. Remove from heat when gurgling starts.

Clever Dripper

Ratio
1:16 to 1:17
Grind
Medium (kosher salt)
Steep Time
2–3 minutes
Water Temp
92–96°C (198–205°F)

Add coffee, then water. Steep with lid on. Place on mug to drain—drawdown should take about 1 minute.

Interactive Ratio Calculator

Adjust your cup size and desired strength. The calculator updates coffee and water amounts instantly.

Coffee needed 18.8 g
Water 300 ml
Approx. cups 1.5 cups

Weights are for whole bean coffee. For best accuracy, use a digital scale with 0.1g resolution.

Pro Tips for Consistent Brews

Use a Scale

Volume measurements are inconsistent. A digital scale ensures you hit the exact ratio every time.

Mind Water Quality

Filtered water with balanced minerals (50–150 ppm TDS) extracts coffee best. Avoid distilled water.

Grind Fresh

Coffee stales quickly after grinding. Invest in a burr grinder and grind just before brewing.

Control Temperature

Too hot burns coffee; too cool under-extracts. Stick to the recommended range for your method.