The Perfect Coffee-to-Water Ratio (And Why It Matters)

One of the most overlooked steps in brewing coffee is getting the right balance between coffee and water. Too much coffee and your brew tastes bitter and overpowering; too little and it comes out weak and sour. Mastering this ratio is the key to making consistently delicious coffee at home.

☕ Why Ratio Matters

Coffee brewing is all about extraction — pulling flavors out of the coffee grounds into your cup. If you don’t use the right ratio:

• Over-extraction happens when there’s too much water for the amount of coffee, leading to a thin, bitter taste.

• Under-extraction happens when there’s not enough water, making your coffee harsh or overly strong.

Getting the balance right ensures your coffee tastes just as the roaster intended.

📏 The Golden Ratio

A commonly recommended starting point is the “Golden Ratio”:

• 1 gram of coffee for every 15–18 grams of water
  (That’s about 1 tablespoon of coffee for every 100–120ml of water if you don’t have a scale yet.)

For example:

• 20g coffee + 300ml water = balanced pour-over

• 15g coffee + 250ml water = classic French press

🔧 How to Measure Accurately

• Use a Digital Scale 🧑🍳 → For precision, a coffee scale is the easiest way to repeat great results.

• Use a Scoop 🥄 → Less precise, but handy. Just keep your scoop size consistent.

• Use Ratios for Each Method:

  • French Press: 1:15–1:16

  • Pour-Over (V60, Chemex): 1:16–1:17

  • Espresso: 1:2 (very concentrated)

  • Cold Brew: 1:8 (strong concentrate, diluted later)

🎯 Finding Your Perfect Ratio

Taste is personal! Start with the golden ratio, then adjust:

• Want stronger coffee? Try 1:15.

• Prefer lighter flavors? Try 1:17.

Keep notes as you experiment — it’s the easiest way to discover your sweet spot.