Brewing coffee should be simple, enjoyable, and delicious. One of the key factors that often gets overlooked, but can make or break your cup, is the water-to-coffee ratio. It's essential to understand that the right balance of water and coffee grounds determines not just the strength, but also the flavor of your brew.
But don't worry, we’re breaking it down into easy steps so you can confidently brew a perfect cup of coffee every time.
Why the Water-to-Coffee Ratio Matters
When brewing coffee, the amount of water you use compared to the amount of coffee grounds will impact how your cup tastes. If you use too much water, your coffee will be weak and watery. If you use too little water, it will taste overly strong and bitter. A balanced ratio gives you the best of both worlds—full flavor without overpowering strength.
The Magic Ratio: 1:16
The general rule for brewing a balanced cup of coffee is 1:16. This means for every 1 gram of coffee, you use 16 grams of water. In more practical terms, for every 1 tablespoon of coffee grounds, use about 6 ounces of water.
How to Calculate It Easily
Let’s break it down with two common methods:
Using Tablespoons and Cups- For one cup of coffee (about 8 ounces), you’ll want to use around 1.5 tablespoons of coffee grounds.
- If you’re making more than one cup, just multiply. For two cups (16 ounces), use 3 tablespoons of coffee grounds.
- If you want more precision, a coffee scale is your best friend. The 1:16 ratio means that if you’re using 20 grams of coffee grounds, you’ll need 320 grams of water (20g x 16 = 320g).
Highly Recommend this scale, small very useful.
Finding Your Preference
While the 1:16 ratio is a solid starting point, don’t be afraid to tweak it to match your taste. Like a stronger brew? Try a 1:14 ratio (1 gram of coffee to 14 grams of water). Prefer something lighter? Go for 1:18. Experimenting is part of the fun!
Quick Reference for Common Sizes
To keep things simple, here’s a quick guide for brewing different amounts of coffee using the 1:16 ratio:
- 1 cup (8 oz / 240 ml): Use 15 grams of coffee (~1.5 tablespoons)
- 2 cups (16 oz / 475 ml): Use 30 grams of coffee (~3 tablespoons)
- 4 cups (32 oz / 950 ml): Use 60 grams of coffee (~6 tablespoons)
Conclusion
Brewing coffee isn’t complicated, but getting the right water-to-coffee ratio can take your cup from average to amazing. Start with the 1:16 ratio as your base, and adjust to suit your preferences. With a little practice, you'll find the perfect balance that works for you—and your morning cup of coffee will always be just right.
Enjoy your brew!
