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Espresso ratio calculator
Espresso ratios compare dry coffee dose to liquid yield in the cup. A standard shot is 1:2 — 18 g of coffee brewed to 36 g out — pulled in roughly 25–30 seconds.
Espresso
Coffee to water ratio
Coffee
20 g
4 tbsp
Water
40 ml
1.4 fl oz
Cups
0.17
US cups
Ratio
1:2
by weight
How the espresso ratio works
Espresso brew ratio is dose to beverage yield, not coffee to tank water. A 1:2 normale means 18 g in the portafilter and 36 g in the cup. Ristretto is shorter (about 1:1.5); lungo is longer (about 1:3). Weigh the shot as it pours — that is the number that matters.
Espresso tips
- Weigh the output, not the water you put in — espresso ratios are dose to beverage.
- Ristretto is 1:1 to 1:1.5 (intense), normale 1:2, lungo 1:2.5 to 1:3 (lighter).
- Adjust grind size to hit your target yield in 25–30 seconds.
Espresso dose and yield chart
Doses and beverage yields at a standard 1:2 ratio. Weigh the espresso in the cup, not the water in the tank.
| Shot | Dose | Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Single shot | 9 g | 18 g out |
| Double shot | 18 g | 36 g out |
| Triple shot | 21 g | 42 g out |
For ristretto multiply the dose by 1.5 instead; for lungo multiply by 3.
Compare every method in the coffee to water ratio chart or check the grind size chart for Espresso.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 1:2 espresso ratio?+
A 1:2 ratio means the liquid espresso in the cup weighs twice the dry coffee dose — 18 g of ground coffee brewed to 36 g of espresso. It is the modern standard for a balanced shot.
What is the ratio for ristretto and lungo?+
Ristretto is 1:1 to 1:1.5 (18 g in, 18–27 g out) for a more intense, syrupy shot. Lungo is 1:2.5 to 1:3 (18 g in, 45–54 g out) for a lighter, larger shot.
Do espresso ratios measure water in or espresso out?+
Espresso out. Unlike filter brewing, espresso ratios compare the dry dose to the beverage weight in the cup, because the puck retains a large share of the water pushed through it.
How long should an espresso shot take?+
Aim for 25–30 seconds from the first drip to reach a 1:2 yield. If it runs faster, grind finer; if it chokes and runs slower, grind coarser. Keep the dose constant while adjusting.