Coffee to Water Ratio Calculator
Find how much grounds per cup of coffee you need, with grams, approximate tablespoons, water and a 1:n ratio for your brew method.
Result
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Result
— g ground coffee
- Level tablespoons
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- Water
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- Ratio
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Tablespoons are approximate; a scale is the real fix. For caffeine estimates, use the coffee caffeine calculator.
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How the coffee ratio calculation works
If you are wondering how much grounds per cup of coffee to use, start with the water amount and the brew method. The calculator uses a ratio within the typical range for that method, then shifts it for a mild or strong preference.
Coffee ratios are by weight: 1 part ground coffee to n parts water. Water is close to 1 g per mL, while one level tablespoon of grounds is about 5 g. Tablespoons vary with grind size and bean density, so grams from a scale are the accurate answer.
A US customary cup is 8 fl oz, while most drip coffee makers mark a cup as 5 fl oz. Choose the cup size that matches your question; drip defaults to the maker cup. Cold brew concentrate should be diluted before drinking.
coffee grams = water mL ÷ ratio; tablespoons ≈ coffee grams ÷ 5 The Specialty Coffee Association golden-cup ratio is about 55 g of coffee per litre of water, plus or minus 10%—roughly 1:18 by weight. This tool does not estimate caffeine; use the coffee caffeine calculator for that.
Coffee to water ratio FAQ
How much coffee grounds do I need per cup?
Enter your cup size and brew method to get a result in grams. The 5 fl oz maker cup and 8 fl oz US cup produce different water amounts.
What coffee ratio should I use?
Drip and pour-over default to 1:16, French press and AeroPress to 1:14, moka pot to 1:8, and cold brew concentrate to 1:5. Strength preferences stay within each method's supplied range.
Why does my coffee maker cup differ from a normal cup?
Most drip coffee makers mark a cup as 5 fl oz, while a US customary cup is 8 fl oz. Use the cup-size choice that matches your measurement.
Are tablespoons as accurate as grams?
No. One level tablespoon is about 5 g, but grind size and bean density change the amount. A scale is the reliable fix.
Does this calculate caffeine?
No. It calculates coffee grounds and water. Use the coffee caffeine calculator for a caffeine estimate.