Brew Ratio Calculator

A brew ratio is the weight of coffee grounds to the weight of water, expressed as 1:X. For example, 1:16 means 1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water. It is the single most important variable in coffee brewing because it determines the strength and balance of every cup you make, regardless of the brewing method.

The best ratio for pour over is 1:16, which means 15 grams of coffee to 240 grams of water for a single cup. The Specialty Coffee Association recommends this as the golden ratio for filter brewing. For a brighter, more delicate cup, go to 1:17. For a bolder, more concentrated pour over, tighten to 1:15.

Use 15 grams of coffee (about 2.5 tablespoons) for one standard 8-ounce cup of filter coffee. This assumes a 1:16 ratio with 240 grams of water. For a 12-ounce mug, increase to 22 grams. Always measure by weight rather than volume, as different roast levels and grind sizes occupy different amounts of space per gram.

Yes, brew ratio directly controls the strength of your coffee. A tighter ratio like 1:14 produces a strong, full-bodied cup with more dissolved solids per sip. A wider ratio like 1:18 yields a lighter, more tea-like brew. Changing the ratio by even one point (for example, 1:15 to 1:16) produces a noticeable difference in body and intensity.

Starbucks uses approximately a 1:15 ratio for drip coffee, which is slightly stronger than the SCA standard of 1:18. Their recommended home brewing guideline is 2 tablespoons (about 10 grams) per 6 ounces of water, which works out to roughly 1:17. The in-store coffee tastes stronger because they use more coffee per cup than most home brewers.

A 1:15 ratio produces a stronger, more intense cup with heavier body and concentrated sweetness. A 1:17 ratio produces a cleaner, more transparent cup where individual flavor notes are easier to distinguish. Use 1:15 for dark roasts, milk-based drinks, and bold preferences. Use 1:17 for light roasts, pour overs, and when you want clarity over punch.