Food & Kitchen
Coffee Brew Ratio Calculator
A 1:16 brew ratio uses one gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water. For a 500-gram brew, divide 500 by 16 to get 31.25 grams of coffee. Ratio controls recipe strength, while grind size and contact time still control extraction.
Planning estimate only. Check measurements and real-world constraints before buying materials or making a commitment.
Last Updated:
Calculate your scenario
Change any input. Results update immediately.
Your results
Coffee dose
31.3 g
For a 1:16.0 recipe.
Estimated brewed coffee
438 g
After estimated water retention.
Drink per cup
219 g
Compared with the 220 g target.
How the calculation works
The calculator applies this relationship to the inputs above. Keep every measurement in the unit shown.
coffee weight = water weight ÷ brew ratio
Brew water500 g
Water side of 1:X ratio16
Water retained by grounds2 g/g
Number of cups2
Target drink per cup220 g
Worked example
Use this example to check the calculator by hand before relying on a result.
1
Choose a ratio
This is a common starting point for filter coffee.
1:16
2
Calculate the dose
Round to the precision of your scale.
500 ÷ 16 = 31.25 g
3
Estimate retention
The cup receives less liquid than the water poured.
31.25 × 2 = 62.5 g
Assumptions behind the result
- • Water density is treated as 1 g/mL.
- • Grounds retain a user-set amount of water.
- • No bypass water is added.
- • Ratio describes input water, not finished beverage.
- • Taste still depends on grind and extraction.
Mistakes that change the answer
- • Using finished beverage weight as brew water.
- • Reversing the ratio.
- • Changing ratio and grind at the same time while dialing in.
Questions about coffee brew ratio calculator
Is 1:16 a strong coffee ratio?
It is a common medium-strength starting point. Use a smaller number such as 15 for more coffee per unit of water.
Why is the brewed amount lower than the water poured?
Coffee grounds retain water. The estimate lets you set that retention in grams of water per gram of coffee.
Does this work for cold brew concentrate?
The arithmetic works, but concentrate often uses a much lower ratio and a different extraction method.