Coffee-to-Water Ratio Calculator
Eyeballing coffee measurements is the easiest way to end up with an inconsistent brew from one day to the next. Enter how many cups you're making, your mug size, and your preferred strength below to get an exact grams figure.
Work out your coffee-to-water ratio
Enter how many cups you're brewing, your mug size, and your preferred strength.
A balanced, everyday cup
For 960ml of water, use:
64.0g of ground coffee
That's roughly 16.0g per cup at a 1:15 ratio.
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- Automatic pod recognition adjusts brew size and strength
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- Makes both espresso and larger mug-sized coffee
Cons
- Locked into Nespresso Vertuo pod range
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Pros
- Grinds fresh beans for every cup
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- Adjustable grinder and milk froth settings
Cons
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Cons
- Infuser basket is on the small side for very large leaves
Frequently asked questions
What is a good coffee-to-water ratio to start with?
A ratio of around 1:15 (1 gram of coffee per 15ml of water) is a widely used starting point for a balanced, everyday cup. From there, adjust up toward 1:17 for a milder brew or down toward 1:13 for something stronger.
Does the ratio change for different brewing methods?
The core ratio works as a general guide across most methods, but some — like espresso, which uses far less water relative to coffee — follow a very different ratio entirely. This calculator suits filter, cafetière/French press, and pour-over style brewing.
Should I weigh coffee or use a scoop?
Weighing gives a far more consistent result than scooping, since ground coffee density varies with grind size and bean type — a heaped scoop of fine grounds weighs noticeably more than the same scoop of coarse grounds.
Why does my coffee taste bitter even at the right ratio?
Bitterness is often more about over-extraction (water in contact with grounds for too long, or too fine a grind) than the ratio itself. If your ratio is right but the taste is still bitter, try a slightly coarser grind or a shorter brew time first.