Coffee Basics: Ratios

A beginner's guide to understanding coffee ratios for a better brew

By Chris Ali

|

February 12, 2024

Brew Coach

One crucial aspect of mastering the perfect cup of coffee lies in understanding coffee ratios. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or a beginner looking to enhance your brew, this guide will break down the basics of ratios in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

Coffee ratios refer to the proportion of coffee to water used in the brewing process. To maintain consistency, we’re using a scale to measure the coffee and water by weight in grams. The golden rule is to maintain a balance between the amount of coffee grounds and water.

Coffee-to-Water Ratio: A common ratio is 1:15, meaning 1 part coffee to 15 parts water. This can be adjusted based on personal preference, with some preferring a stronger brew at 1:12 and others a milder one at 1:18. We’re personally using a ratio somewhere in the middle at 1:16 or 1:17 when using The Mix or Single Origin.

Example:

  • For a standard 8-ounce cup, use 14 grams of coffee grounds (about 0.5 ounces).
  • Adjust the amount based on the number of cups you're brewing.

Different brewing methods require different coffee-to-water ratios. Here are a few examples:

French Press:

  • Ratio: 1:15
  • Coarse Grind
  • Steep for about 4 minutes

Drip Coffee Maker:

  • Ratio: 1:17
  • Medium Grind
  • Adjust the ratio based on desired strength

Espresso:

  • Ratio: 1:2
  • Fine Grind
  • Quick extraction under high pressure

Pro Tips:

  • 1 Tbsp = ~7g
  • 1oz = 28g
  • Start with high-quality, fresh coffee beans.
  • The grind size of your coffee beans is crucial. Different brewing methods require specific grind sizes. Coarse for French press, medium for drip coffee, and fine for espresso. Adjusting the grind size can affect the extraction process.
  • Use clean and filtered water for best tasting results.

The beauty of coffee brewing lies in experimentation. Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio, grind size, and brewing time to suit your taste preferences. Keep a coffee journal or note on your phone to track what works best for you.

Mastering the art of coffee ratios is a journey of exploration and personalization. Start here with the basics and enjoy the journey to finding your perfect recipe. Happy brewing!

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