Find how many grams of coffee you need for the water you are using, or how much water to add to the coffee you have.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
The 1:16 ratio and how to adjust it
A coffee ratio says how many milliliters of water you use for each gram of coffee. 1:16 means 16 ml of water per 1 g of coffee. Weighing both makes it easy to get the same cup every time. Formulas: • Coffee (g) = water (ml) ÷ ratio • Water (ml) = coffee (g) × ratio Example: 480 ml of water at 1:16 needs 480 ÷ 16 = 30 g of coffee. Common ratios: • 1:15: strong, full-bodied drip • 1:16: balanced, a starting point for most drip and pour over • 1:17–1:18: lighter, more delicate • 1:8–1:10: French press or cold brew concentrate (diluted afterwards) A tablespoon of ground coffee weighs about 5 g, though it varies with the grind. If you have no scale, the tablespoon count in the result is a guide. If the coffee tastes bitter, raise the ratio (less coffee) or grind coarser; if it is thin and sour, lower the ratio or grind finer.
Common questions about the coffee to water ratio
For most drip methods, 1:15 to 1:17 works well. 1:16 is a balanced starting point: 1 g of coffee to 16 ml of water.
Other tools you may find useful
15–17 for drip. Lower is stronger.
Water you will brew. About 480 ml for 2 cups.