Brew Ratio
The ratio of coffee grounds to water used when brewing, typically expressed as 1:15 to 1:18 for filter coffee.
Brew ratio is the relationship between the amount of coffee grounds and water you use. It's the single most important variable in coffee brewing — more than grind size, temperature, or technique.
How brew ratios work
A ratio of 1:16 means 1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water. For example:
- 15g coffee × 16 = 240g water (one cup)
- 30g coffee × 16 = 480g water (two cups)
Common ratios by method
| Method | Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pour-over (V60, Chemex) | 1:15 to 1:17 | Lighter body, brighter flavors |
| French press | 1:15 to 1:16 | Fuller body |
| AeroPress | 1:12 to 1:16 | Versatile, adjustable |
| Cold brew | 1:5 to 1:8 | Concentrate, dilute to taste |
| Espresso | 1:1.5 to 1:2.5 | Much stronger |
Finding your ideal ratio
- Start at 1:16 — the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) recommendation
- Too weak? Use more coffee (1:14 or 1:15)
- Too strong? Use less coffee (1:17 or 1:18)
- Keep everything else constant when adjusting ratio
Why consistency matters
Using a scale (not scoops) and a consistent ratio means you can reproduce a great cup every time. When something tastes off, you know to adjust one variable at a time.
Brew ratios in Fond
Fond's Coffee Lab has a ratio calculator built in. Pick your method, enter your dose, and it tells you exactly how much water to use. It also keeps a brew log so you can dial in what works for each bean.
