Coffee Ratio Calculator: V60, French Press, Espresso Recipes
Calculate exact coffee dose (g), water volume (ml), grind size and step-by-step pouring schedule for 7 brewing methods.
Coffee to water ratio: dose for V60, French press or espresso
A 1:X ratio tells you how many grams of water to pour per gram of ground coffee: water = coffee × X. On a V60 (1:16), 20 g of coffee takes 320 ml of water; to fill two 220 ml cups, the tool uses 31.4 g of coffee and 503 ml of water, because the grounds hold back about 2 ml of water per gram.
Three ways to calculate
- From coffee: water (ml) = coffee (g) × ratio.
- From water: coffee (g) = water ÷ ratio. 500 ml at 1:16 needs 31.3 g.
- From cups: coffee = (cups × cup size) ÷ (ratio − 2), then water = coffee × ratio. The “− 2” offsets the water absorbed by the grounds (2 ml per gram of dry coffee), so the brewed coffee really fills the cups.
Worked example (V60, defaults)
2 cups × 220 ml = 440 ml of target drink. Coffee = 440 ÷ (16 − 2) = 31.4 g; total water = 31.4 × 16 = 503 ml. The bloom uses 3 times the coffee weight, 94 ml for 45 seconds, leaving 409 ml to pour. Water at 93 °C, medium-fine grind, 2:45 to 3:15 min.
Settings by method
| Method | Default ratio (range) | Water |
|---|---|---|
| V60 | 1:16 (14-18) | 93 °C |
| Chemex | 1:16.5 (15-18) | 94 °C |
| French press | 1:15 (12-17) | 95 °C |
| AeroPress | 1:13 (10-16) | 85 °C |
| Moka pot | 1:10 (8-12) | 98 °C |
| Cold brew | 1:8 (6-12) | cold, 14-18 h |
| Espresso | 1:2 (1.5-3) | 93 °C, 25-30 s |
For espresso the ratio is by beverage weight: each cup counts as a 36 g double shot, i.e. 18 g of ground coffee.
Limits
Ratios, temperatures and times are common starting recipes; adjust them to taste, roast and grinder. The 2 ml/g absorption is an average. The Specialty Coffee Association “Golden Cup” benchmark, often quoted at about 55 g of coffee per litre (roughly 1:18), is given here as an indicative value not verified against the official source.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grams of coffee per litre of water?
At the V60’s 1:16 ratio, use 1000 ÷ 16 = 62.5 g. For a French press (1:15), 66.7 g; for a Chemex (1:16.5), 60.6 g. The “Golden Cup” benchmark often credited to the SCA, around 55 g per litre, makes a slightly lighter cup.
What ratio should I use for espresso?
The classic ratio is 1:2 by weight: 18 g of ground coffee for 36 g of drink in 25 to 30 seconds. The tool accepts 1:1.5 (ristretto) up to 1:3 (lungo).
Why do I need more water than the cup holds?
The grounds hold about 2 ml of water per gram of coffee. For 440 ml of drink at 1:16, the tool therefore plans 31.4 g of coffee and 503 ml of water, 63 ml of which stays in the filter.
How much water for the bloom?
The tool uses 3 times the coffee weight for V60, Chemex and AeroPress, and 2 times for the French press. With 20 g of coffee on a V60 that is 60 ml, left for 45 seconds before pouring the rest.
Is this tool really free?
Yes, all tools on Kristools are 100% free and accessible without registration.
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