The secret to great coffee? It’s all about the ratios.
If you want to get the perfect cup of coffee every time, you need to know your coffee brew ratios. The amount of coffee grounds you use, compared to the amount of water, is crucial for getting the flavor you want. And the ideal ratios will vary depending on the brewing method you use.
More and more people are taking control of their coffee and brewing at home, and they want to know how to make it right. That means understanding the science of coffee, starting with the ratios.
This article is your comprehensive guide to coffee brew ratios. We’ll cover different brewing methods, the factors that affect the ratios you should use, and tips for brewing the perfect cup.
What is a coffee brew ratio?
The coffee brew ratio, sometimes called the coffee-to-water ratio or just brew ratio, is the amount of ground coffee compared to the amount of water you use to brew it. It has a huge impact on the way your coffee tastes, its strength, and how it feels in your mouth.
Getting the ratio right means measuring carefully. While it’s tempting to use tablespoons or measuring cups, those aren’t always accurate because coffee grounds can vary in weight. Using a kitchen scale to measure both your coffee and water is always the best way to go.
The Golden Brew Ratio and Its Significance
A good place to start is the “Golden Cup Standard” of 1:17 or 1:18. The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) says that a ratio of 1 part coffee to 18 parts water is the “golden ratio” for many popular brewing methods. Many baristas will begin with this ratio for batch brewing, because it usually results in a balanced flavor.
But don’t take this as gospel. The perfect coffee ratio is really up to you. There’s no one ideal ratio, and it depends on the kind of coffee you’re using, the brewing method, and the flavor you want.
In fact, the SCA has funded research that suggests that flavor perception is subjective. That means that no single ratio is going to work for everyone.
Key Factors Affecting Coffee Brew Ratio
While a coffee-to-water ratio is a good place to start, there are some other variables to consider to get the best possible cup.
Grind Size
The size of your coffee grounds affects how quickly the coffee is extracted. Fine grounds extract more quickly, while coarser grinds take longer.
The type of brewing method you use will also help determine the grind size. For example, espresso requires a very fine grind, while a French press requires a coarse grind. You may want to adjust your ratio to suit the grind size you use.
Water Temperature
Water temperature affects the extraction rate and the flavor of the coffee. Most experts agree that water between 195 and 205 degrees F (90-96 degrees C) is optimal. You may also want to consider adjusting the water temperature based on the type of coffee you’re using and the grind.
If the water is too cool, you may end up with under-extraction. If it’s too hot, the coffee may be over-extracted.
Roast Level
The roast level can also influence the ideal brew ratio. Darker roasts may taste better with a slightly lower coffee-to-water ratio, while lighter roasts may benefit from a slightly higher ratio.
Keep in mind that the roast level will affect the final cup.
Desired Strength
The easiest way to get a stronger cup of coffee is to increase the amount of coffee you use. If you want a lighter cup, use less coffee.
Coffee Brew Ratios for Different Brewing Methods
The coffee-to-water ratio you use will vary depending on the brewing method you choose. Here’s a guide to get you started:
Pour Over
For pour-over coffee, aim for a ratio between 1:14 and 1:16. That means for every 1 gram of ground coffee, you’ll use 14 to 16 grams of water. For an average cup, go for 1:16.
- Robust Pour Over: 1:13
- Average Pour Over: 1:16
- Mild Pour Over: 1:18
Adjust the ratio to suit your tastes. If you like a stronger, more robust flavor, use a ratio closer to 1:13. For a milder cup, try 1:18.
French Press
The ideal ratio for French press brewing is between 1:12 and 1:16. A good starting point is 1:15.
- Robust French Press: 1:13
- Average French Press: 1:15
- Mild French Press: 1:18
As with pour-over, adjust based on your preference. A ratio of 1:13 will give you a stronger brew, while 1:18 will be milder.
Drip Coffee
For automatic drip coffee makers, a ratio of 1:16 to 1:18 is generally recommended. An average cup would be around 1:17.
- Robust Auto Drip: 1:13
- Average Auto Drip: 1:17
- Mild Auto Drip: 1:18
Want a bolder flavor? Try 1:13. For a lighter taste, go with 1:18.
Cold Brew
Cold brew calls for a much higher coffee-to-water ratio, typically between 1:5 and 1:8. Because it steeps for so long, you don’t need as much hot water to extract the flavor.
Steep time is crucial for cold brew. Experiment with different steep times (usually between 12 and 24 hours) to find the flavor profile you enjoy most.
Espresso
Espresso ratios are described by the kind of shot you’re pulling:
- Ristretto: 1:1 to 1:1.5 (very concentrated, sweet)
- Normale: 1:2 to 1:3 (balanced flavor)
- Lungo: 1:3 to 1:4 (longer extraction, more bitter)
Chemex
Chemex ratios are very similar to those of pour-over coffee.
- Robust Chemex: 1:13
- Average Chemex: 1:16
- Mild Chemex: 1:18
Moka Pot
Moka Pot ratios are very similar to those of espresso coffee.
- Robust Moka Pot: 1:6
- Average Moka Pot: 1:8
- Mild Moka Pot: 1:9
Tools for Achieving the Perfect Brew Ratio
Getting that perfect cup of coffee is more than just following a recipe. It’s about precision and consistency, and that means having the right tools.
First, invest in a high-quality burr grinder. Consistent grind size is crucial for even extraction, and a burr grinder beats a blade grinder every time.
Next, get yourself a digital scale. Eyeballing measurements is a recipe for disaster. A scale ensures you’re using the exact coffee-to-water ratio for your desired brew.
Finally, if you’re into pour-over brewing, a gooseneck kettle is a must. The precise control it offers over water flow is essential for a balanced and flavorful cup.
Troubleshooting Common Brew Ratio Issues
Is your coffee sour and weak? That’s a sign of under-extraction, which happens if you use too much water. To fix it, use less water for the amount of coffee grounds you have.
If your coffee tastes bitter or burnt, you’ve likely over-extracted it. This happens when you don’t use enough water. Try adding more water to your coffee grounds.
Keep in mind that the ideal brew ratio depends on other things as well. Grind size matters. So does your brewing method. Dark roasts often need slightly different ratios than light roasts. Also, water temperature affects the extraction, so you may need to adjust the ratio based on that too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the golden ratio for coffee?
The “golden ratio” for coffee brewing is generally considered to be a 1:15 to 1:18 coffee-to-water ratio. This means for every 1 gram of coffee, you’d use 15 to 18 grams of water. It’s a starting point; feel free to tweak it to your taste.
How much coffee do I put in a 12-cup Mr. Coffee maker?
A “cup” in coffee maker terms is usually 5 ounces. So, a 12-cup Mr. Coffee maker brews approximately 60 ounces of coffee. Using the golden ratio, aim for around 100-120 grams of coffee for a full pot, adjusting to your preferred strength.
How much coffee do I use for 4 cups?
If each cup is 5 ounces, you’re brewing 20 ounces of coffee. That’s roughly 567 grams of water. Following the golden ratio (1:15 to 1:18), you’ll need around 31-38 grams of coffee for those 4 cups. Again, this is a guideline; experiment until you find what you like best!
What are the ratios for coffee?
Common coffee brewing ratios range from 1:15 (stronger) to 1:18 (weaker). A 1:15 ratio is one part coffee to 15 parts water. Some people even prefer a 1:12 for a very strong brew. The fun is in finding your personal sweet spot through experimentation!
Closing Thoughts
Understanding coffee brew ratios can help you make coffee that tastes exactly the way you want it to. Don’t be afraid to try out different ratios and brewing methods until you find the combination that creates your perfect cup.
Use what you’ve learned here to improve your coffee-making skills and enjoy coffee shop-quality java in your own home, every day.
Remember, finding the right brew ratio isn’t about following a strict recipe. It’s about experimenting and figuring out what you like best. Happy brewing!