The water-to-coffee ratio is a key factor in brewing a great cup of coffee. It refers to the proportion of coffee grounds to water used in the brewing process and can significantly affect the flavor and strength of your coffee. The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and many coffee experts recommend a standard ratio to help you achieve a balanced and delicious cup.

Why the Ratio Matters

• Too much coffee (low ratio):Your coffee may taste overly bitter or too strong. Over-extraction happens, pulling too many harsh compounds from the grounds.
  
  

• Too little coffee (high ratio): Your coffee may taste weak, watery, and under-extracted, lacking the rich flavor and depth you're looking for.

Standard Water-to-Coffee Ratio

1:15 to 1:18 – For most brewing methods, a ratio of 1 part coffee to 15–18 parts water is ideal. This means for every gram of coffee, you’ll use 15 to 18 grams of water.

Example:
For a single cup (about 8 oz or 240 ml of coffee), you would use roughly 15-16 grams of coffee.

Brewing Method Considerations

Different brewing methods may slightly adjust the ideal ratio. These ratios are just guidelines, feel free to adjust them to suit your personal taste preferences.

• Drip Coffee Maker – Typically uses a 1:15 to 1:17 ratio.

• French Press – A 1:12 to 1:16 ratio usually works well.

• Pour-Over – Around 1:14 to 1:17 for a balanced brew.

• Espresso – Typically around 1:2 (for example, 18g of coffee to 36g of water for a single shot) resulting in a very concentrated coffee.

• Cold Brew – Cold brew coffee often uses a higher ratio, like 1:5 or 1:10, since it’s brewed slowly over 12–24 hours.

Factors That Affect the Ideal Ratio

The SCA also acknowledges that several factors affect the optimal ratio:

• Grind Size:Finer grinds extract more quickly, meaning a lower ratio may be suitable (like in espresso). Coarser grinds, such as those used in French press brewing, typically require a higher ratio.

• Brew Time:The length of time the water is in contact with the coffee grounds can affect how much coffee is extracted. Longer brew times (such as in pour-over or French press) can work well with a slightly higher ratio.

• Water Temperature:Water between 195°F and 205°F is ideal for brewing. If the temperature is too low or too high, it can affect extraction efficiency, even with the right ratio.

Adjusting the Ratio Based on Your Preference

• Stronger Coffee:If you prefer a stronger, more robust cup, you can use a 1:12 or 1:13 ratio. This will give you a more intense flavor and body.

• Lighter Coffee:If you prefer a lighter, milder cup, you can go with a 1:17 or 1:18 ratio.

Experimenting with ratios can help you find your ideal brew strength, but starting with the 1:15 to 1:16 range is a great place to begin.

Source: Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)