Coffee Ratio Calculator
Use this coffee ratio calculator to dial in the exact amount of ground coffee for any brew method — from pour over to espresso — based on how much water you are using.
| Measurement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Coffee (grams) | 18.8 g |
| Coffee (tablespoons) | 3.5 tbsp |
| Water (grams) | 300 g |
1 tbsp ground coffee ≈ 5.3 g · 1 cup water = 237 g · 1 fl oz water = 29.57 g
How the coffee ratio works
The coffee-to-water ratio controls strength more than any other variable. A 1:16 ratio means 1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water — a classic starting point for drip and pour over. French press brews are more forgiving at 1:12, while espresso uses a tight 1:2 ratio because the short extraction time demands concentrated grounds. The calculator converts your water amount into grams, then divides by the ratio to give you the exact coffee dose.
The tablespoon readout is a practical shortcut when you do not have a scale handy. One tablespoon of ground coffee weighs roughly 5.3 grams, though this varies a little with grind size and roast level. For consistent results, a kitchen scale is always more accurate than volume measurement.