Coffee Ratio Calculator
Choose a coffee-to-water ratio and a cup size, and it tells you how many grams of each to weigh out.
Coffee needed
31.3 g
A 1:16 ratio for 500 g of water needs about 31.3 g of ground coffee.
Water
500 g
Ratio
1 : 16
How it works
A brew ratio is just coffee to water. "1:16" means one gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water, so 500 g of water calls for about 31 g of coffee.
Lower ratios like 1:15 make a stronger, bolder cup; higher ones like 1:18 are lighter and more delicate. Most pour-over drinkers live somewhere between the two.
Since a milliliter of water weighs about a gram, you can treat your target cup size in ml as grams. Weigh the coffee, weigh the water, and you'll get the same cup every time.
Frequently asked questions
What ratio should I start with?
1:16 is the classic middle ground for pour-over and drip. Brew a cup, then nudge toward 1:15 if you want it stronger or 1:17 if it's too intense — small changes make a real difference.
Does this work for espresso?
Espresso uses much tighter ratios, usually around 1:2, and this tool handles those too — just enter 2 as the ratio. For everyday espresso most people weigh the shot rather than a full cup of water.
Do I really need a scale?
It's the single biggest upgrade to a consistent cup. Scoops vary with grind and bean, but weighing coffee and water in grams removes the guesswork and makes a good recipe repeatable.