Coffee Basics
The Best Coffee-to-Water Ratio
Why 1:16 is the default, and when to move away from it
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Ratio is the dial that controls strength. Grind controls extraction; ratio controls how concentrated the result is.
What a ratio actually means
A 1:16 ratio means one ounce of coffee for every sixteen ounces of water by weight. For 0.7 oz of coffee, use 11.2 oz of water by weight (about 10.7 fl oz).
Ratios by method
Use these as starting points, then adjust by taste.
- Drip: 1:16 to 1:17
- Pour over: 1:16
- French press: 1:15
- AeroPress: 1:14
- Cold brew concentrate: 1:8
- Espresso: 1:2
Adjusting without breaking anything
If coffee tastes weak but not sour, use more coffee. If it tastes bitter but strong, keep the ratio and grind coarser instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much coffee for a 12-cup pot?+
A 12-cup coffee maker holds roughly 61 fl oz of water, which needs about 3.9 oz of coffee at a 1:16 ratio by weight.
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