Coffee Calculator
Enter your coffee amount and select a brewing ratio to find how much water to use.
A lower ratio (like 1:15) makes stronger coffee; a higher ratio (like 1:18) makes it milder.
How the coffee-to-water ratio works
The ratio describes how many parts of water to use per part of coffee by weight — a 1:16 ratio means 16 grams of water for every 1 gram of coffee. This calculator multiplies your coffee amount by the ratio to find the water needed.
Since water's density is very close to 1 gram per milliliter, the water amount in grams and milliliters comes out to essentially the same number, making a kitchen scale a convenient and precise way to measure both coffee and water for brewing.
Frequently asked questions
What's a good starting ratio for drip coffee?
1:16 or 1:17 is a widely used starting point for drip and pour-over coffee. Specialty coffee guides often suggest 1:15 to 1:18 depending on the roast and your taste preference — adjust from there to find what you like.
Why measure water by weight instead of volume?
Weighing is more precise and repeatable than volume measurements, especially for smaller amounts. Since water's density is almost exactly 1 g/mL, measuring by weight on a kitchen scale gives essentially the same result as measuring volume, but with better accuracy.
Does this ratio apply to espresso too?
No — espresso uses a much lower, more concentrated ratio (typically around 1:2), since it's a small, pressurized shot rather than a larger brewed cup. This calculator's ratios are intended for drip, pour-over, and similar full-immersion brewing methods.