Espresso brew ratio

Espresso is measured by the weight of ground coffee in the basket (the dose) and the weight of espresso in the cup (the yield). A 1:2 ratio is the modern standard. CoffeeRatio starts this page with an 18 g double-shot dose.

Method and amount

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    At 1:2 that is 36 g of espresso, usually pulled in 25–30 seconds. Change the ratio to 1.5 for a ristretto or 3 for a lungo.

    How the coffee ratio calculator works

    A ratio of 1:N means 1 gram of coffee for every N grams of water, and 1 ml of water weighs 1 g. CoffeeRatio turns cups into water using the cup size (1 US fl oz = 29.57 ml), then divides the water by N to get the coffee, or multiplies the coffee by N to get the water. Tablespoons assume about 5 g of ground coffee per level tablespoon and 10 g per standard scoop. Brewed yield is the water minus about twice the coffee’s weight, because wet grounds hold roughly double their weight in water; for espresso the water figure is the shot weight itself.

    Coffee ratios by brew method

    MethodRatioCoffee per 12 oz mugCoffee per litre
    Pour-over / V601:1622.2 g63 g
    Chemex1:1523.7 g67 g
    French press1:1523.7 g67 g
    Drip coffee maker1:1720.9 g59 g
    AeroPress1:1229.6 g83 g
    Cold brew concentrate1:571 g200 g
    Cold brew, ready to drink1:844.4 g125 g

    Ratios are starting points. Grind size, roast, water and brew time all change the taste, so adjust one thing at a time: less water for stronger, more for lighter.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is a ristretto ratio?

    About 1:1 to 1:1.5, a shorter, more concentrated shot.

    How much coffee for a double shot?

    Most double baskets take 16–20 g; 18 g is common.

    Why weigh espresso instead of timing it?

    Crema makes volume misleading. Weight gives a repeatable shot, and time is used to dial in the grind.

    Is CoffeeRatio free?

    Yes, with no sign-up or ads, and your settings stay in your browser.

    Can I change the ratio?

    Yes. Each method starts from a common ratio; type any ratio from 1:1 to 1:30 to make it stronger or weaker.

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