At 1 to 16, you need 31 grams of coffee for 500 grams of water. Enter the water or the coffee, and choose a ratio.
Coffee
Water
Enter an amount and a ratio.
The ratio is grams of water for each gram of coffee. 1:15 is stronger than 1:18. There is no one correct ratio: start at 1:16, taste, and move one step at a time.
| Ratio | Coffee |
|---|---|
| 1:15 | 33.3 g |
| 1:16 | 31.3 g |
| 1:17 | 29.4 g |
| 1:18 | 27.8 g |
500 g of water at 1:16: 500 ÷ 16 = 31.25 g of coffee. A 12 oz mug at 1:17 uses 20.9 g.
The conversion math is definitional.
The SCA defines brew ratio as water per mass of coffee. I found no SCA page that states one recommended ratio, so the 1:15 to 1:18 choices are common starting points, not a standard. Taste decides.
Numbers checked November 4, 2026.
There is no single answer. 1:15 to 1:18 by weight covers most brewing at home. A lower number is stronger. Start at 1:16 and adjust.
1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water.
Beans and grinds differ in density, so a scoop of dark roast and a scoop of light roast can weigh quite different amounts.
For an 8 fl oz cup (237 g water) at 1:16, about 14.8 g.
Espresso, French press and cold brew concentrate each use their own ratios. This calculator lets you type any ratio.
Yes. The ratio sets strength, and grind size and time set extraction.