The Grind CalcFree online tool
Coffee to water ratio calculator
Use a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio as a starting point — about 15 g coffee per 240 ml water. Adjust stronger (1:15) or lighter (1:17) to taste.
Standard brew
Coffee to water ratio
Coffee
20 g
4 tbsp
Water
320 ml
10.8 fl oz
Cups
1.35
US cups
Ratio
1:16
by weight
How the standard brew ratio works
A coffee ratio is parts coffee to parts water by weight. At 1:16, every gram of coffee gets 16 grams (milliliters) of water — about 15 g per 240 ml mug. This calculator converts grams, tablespoons, cups, and fluid ounces so you can dial in strength without guessing.
Standard brew tips
- Weigh coffee in grams for consistency; tablespoons vary by grind size.
- Use filtered water heated to 195–205°F (90–96°C) for hot brews.
- A standard US mug is about 8–12 oz (240–355 ml).
How much coffee per cup?
Common batch sizes at the standard 1:16 ratio. Use the calculator above for other amounts or a different strength.
| Batch size | Coffee | Water |
|---|---|---|
| 8 oz cup | 14.8 g (3 tbsp) | 237 ml (1 cups) |
| 12 oz mug | 22.2 g (4.4 tbsp) | 355 ml (1.5 cups) |
| 2 cups | 29.6 g (5.9 tbsp) | 474 ml (2 cups) |
| 1 liter | 62.5 g (12.5 tbsp) | 1000 ml (4.22 cups) |
| 1.5 L carafe | 93.8 g (18.8 tbsp) | 1500 ml (6.33 cups) |
Compare every method in the coffee to water ratio chart or check the grind size chart for Standard brew.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best coffee-to-water ratio?+
A 1:16 ratio is a reliable starting point for most hot brew methods — about 15 grams of coffee per 240 ml water. Adjust to 1:15 for a stronger cup or 1:17 for a lighter cup.
How do I calculate ratio for coffee?+
Divide your water weight (in grams or ml) by your coffee weight in grams. If you use 300 ml water and 20 g coffee, the ratio is 300 ÷ 20 = 15, written as 1:15.
How much coffee for 3 cups of water?+
Three US cups is about 711 ml. At a 1:16 ratio, use roughly 44 g coffee (about 9 tablespoons). Use the calculator above and select cups as your water unit.
Is it 1 or 2 tablespoons of coffee per cup?+
One level tablespoon is roughly 5 g. For one 8 oz cup (237 ml) at 1:16, you need about 15 g coffee — close to 3 tablespoons, not 1 or 2. Weighing in grams is more accurate.
How many grams of coffee per cup?+
For a standard 8 oz cup at 1:16, use about 15 g coffee. For a larger 12 oz mug, use about 22 g. Enter your cup size in the calculator for an exact amount.