Coffee Ratio Calculator - Perfect Brewing Ratios for Every Method
Master Perfect Coffee Ratios Every Time
Precision brewing calculator based on Specialty Coffee Association standards. Calculate exact coffee-to-water ratios for any brewing method, from espresso to cold brew, and achieve consistent, delicious results with every cup.
Professional Brewing Calculator
Your Perfect Recipe
Enter your measurements above to get your perfect brewing recipe
Quick Reference Guide
How to Use This Professional Calculator
Choose Your Brewing Method
Select from 7 scientifically-optimized brewing methods, each calibrated for specific extraction profiles and flavor outcomes.
Select Your Units
Choose grams for precision (recommended by professionals) or ounces for convenience. Digital scales ensure accuracy.
Input Known Quantity
Enter either coffee weight (to calculate water) or water volume (to calculate coffee). The calculator adapts instantly.
Get Professional Results
Receive precise measurements plus complete brewing parameters: grind size, water temperature, and timing.
The Science Behind Perfect Coffee Ratios
Understanding Coffee Extraction
Coffee brewing is fundamentally an extraction process where water dissolves soluble compounds from ground coffee beans. The ideal extraction rate, established by the Specialty Coffee Association, falls between 18-22% of the coffee's mass.
- Under-extraction (below 18%) - Results in sour, acidic flavors with hollow aftertaste
- Optimal extraction (18-22%) - Balanced sweetness, acidity, and body with complex flavors
- Over-extraction (above 22%) - Bitter, astringent taste with harsh finish
SCA Golden Cup Standard
Our ratios are based on decades of research by the Specialty Coffee Association and the original work of Dr. E.E. Lockhart at MIT. This research established the "Golden Cup" standard for optimal coffee brewing.
Essential Brewing Variables
Grind Size
Controls extraction rate through surface area. Finer grinds extract faster but risk over-extraction.
- • Extra coarse: Cold brew, French press
- • Medium: Pour over, drip coffee
- • Fine: Espresso, AeroPress
Brew Time
Duration of water-coffee contact. Longer contact time increases extraction but can lead to bitterness.
- • Espresso: 25-30 seconds
- • Pour over: 3-4 minutes
- • French press: 4 minutes
- • Cold brew: 12-24 hours
Water Quality
Coffee is 98% water. Mineral content affects extraction and taste significantly.
- • TDS: 150-300 ppm ideal
- • pH: 6.5-7.5 neutral range
- • Temperature: 195-205°F (90-96°C)
Complete Brewing Method Guide
Pour Over / V60
Perfect for highlighting coffee origin characteristics and subtle flavor notes. The spiral ridges create optimal flow rate for even extraction.
French Press
Metal filter allows oils and fine particles through, creating a rich, heavy body. Perfect for dark roasts and bold flavors.
Espresso
High pressure (9 bars) forces water through finely ground coffee. Foundation for lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos.
Cold Brew
Extended steeping time extracts flavors without heat, reducing acidity by 67%. Can be diluted 1:1 with water or milk.
AeroPress
Combines immersion and pressure brewing. Paper filter creates clean cup while maintaining full body. Invented by Alan Adler in 2005.
Chemex
Thick bonded paper filters remove oils and fine particles. Designed by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941, now in MoMA's permanent collection.
Siphon
Uses vapor pressure and vacuum to brew. Creates theatrical brewing experience with exceptional clarity and balanced extraction.
Professional Brewing Tips
Equipment Essentials
- • Use a digital scale for precision (±0.1g accuracy)
- • Burr grinder ensures consistent particle size
- • Temperature-controlled kettle (195-205°F)
- • Quality water filter removes chlorine and minerals
Technique Mastery
- • Pre-wet paper filters to remove papery taste
- • Bloom coffee for 30-45 seconds (pour-over)
- • Use circular pouring motions for even extraction
- • Clean equipment daily to prevent oil buildup
Unit Conversions
- • 1 oz = 28.35 grams (coffee/water weight)
- • 1 fl oz water ≈ 1 oz weight at room temp
- • Digital scales recommended for accuracy
- • Calculator auto-converts between units
Understanding Coffee Varieties & Processing
Arabica vs. Robusta
Understanding coffee species helps optimize your brewing ratios. Arabica (60-70% of global production) and Robusta (30-40%) have distinctly different characteristics that affect extraction.
Arabica Coffee
- • Higher sugar content (6-9%) creates natural sweetness
- • Lower caffeine (1.2-1.5%) reduces bitterness
- • Complex flavor profiles: fruity, floral, chocolatey
- • Grown at higher altitudes (2,000-6,000 feet)
- • Premium pricing due to cultivation difficulty
Robusta Coffee
- • Higher caffeine content (2.2-2.7%) for bold flavor
- • Stronger, earthier taste with nutty undertones
- • Excellent crema production for espresso
- • Grown at lower altitudes (sea level-2,000 feet)
- • More resistant to climate change and diseases
Processing Methods Impact
How coffee cherries are processed after harvest significantly affects flavor development and optimal brewing parameters.
Washed/Wet Process
Cherry pulp removed before drying. Creates clean, bright flavors with pronounced acidity. Ideal for pour-over and drip methods.
Natural/Dry Process
Cherries dried with fruit intact. Develops intense, fruity sweetness and full body. Excellent for espresso and French press.
Honey/Pulped Natural
Partial pulp removal before drying. Balances clean acidity with fruity sweetness. Versatile for all brewing methods.
Troubleshooting Your Brew
Too Sour/Acidic
Indicates under-extraction
Solutions:
- • Grind finer to increase extraction
- • Increase water temperature (5°F)
- • Extend brew time slightly
- • Use more coffee (stronger ratio)
- • Check water mineral content
Too Bitter/Harsh
Indicates over-extraction
Solutions:
- • Grind coarser to slow extraction
- • Decrease water temperature (5°F)
- • Reduce brew time
- • Use less coffee (weaker ratio)
- • Clean equipment thoroughly
Perfect Balance
Sweet, complex, clean finish
Characteristics:
- • Balanced sweetness and acidity
- • Clear, distinct flavor notes
- • Pleasant, lingering aftertaste
- • Appropriate body for method
- • No harsh or astringent qualities
Ready to Elevate Your Coffee Game?
Join thousands of coffee enthusiasts and professionals who rely on our calculator for consistently perfect brews. Master the art of precision coffee brewing today.
Based on Specialty Coffee Association standards • Used by cafés worldwide • 100% free to use
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