Coffee to Water Ratio: Coffee Brew Ratio Guide

Every cup of coffee tells a story: of where it came from, how it was roasted, and how you chose to brew it. At Stone Creek Coffee, we believe that brewing with care and intention honors that story.

One of the most important (and most overlooked) details in brewing is your coffee-to-water ratio. Whether you’re making a French press, pour over, or drip brew, this simple number shapes your coffee’s flavor, strength, and balance. 

Why Coffee-to-Water Ratio Matters

The coffee-to-water ratio is the foundation of your brew. It determines how much flavor is extracted from the grounds and how balanced your cup will taste. 

•Too much coffee, and you’ll extract harsh, bitter notes.

•Too little coffee, and your brew can taste weak or sour.

The right ratio brings everything into harmony: sweetness, body, and brightness in every sip. Once you dial in the ratio, Stone Creek Brew Guides take you the rest of the way: grind sizes, brewing times, and everything else you need to bring out the best flavors in every bean.

The Golden Ratio

Our favorite starting point, the Golden Ratio, works beautifully across most brew methods:

1 gram of coffee for every 16–17 grams (or milliliters) of water
(That’s a 1:16–1:17 ratio.)

For those brewing without a scale, that’s about 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water.

If you like your coffee:

• Bolder and stronger: try 1:15

• Lighter and cleaner: go 1:18

The ratio is just a guide; the magic happens when you tune it to your taste.

Coffee to Water Ratio for Different Brew Methods

Each brew method draws out different qualities in your coffee. Here’s how we dial it in at Stone Creek.

Coffee to Water Ratio for French Press

The French press brings out body, texture, and depth, perfect for cozy mornings or shared pots. 

• Recommended ratio: 1:15

• Example: 30g coffee → 450g water

• Tip: Use a coarse grind and steep for 4 minutes before plunging.

And here’s a step-by-step guide to making a perfect French press.

Coffee to Water Ratio for Pour Over

Pour overs bring out clarity and highlight the delicate notes of your coffee.

• Recommended ratio: 1:16–17

• Example: 25g coffee → 400g water

• Tip: Use a medium grind and a slow, even pour.

For everything else you need to make a perfect pour over, check out our guide. 

Coffee to Water Ratio for Drip Coffee

Although automatic drip machines make brewing easy and consistent, the ratio still matters!

• Recommended ratio: 1:17

• Example: 60g coffee → 1000g water

• Tip: Use filtered water and medium grind coffee for best extraction.

How to Measure Coffee and Water

The most reliable way to brew consistently is to weigh both your coffee and your water.

• Use a digital scale: the same one our baristas use at the cafes.

• Measure in grams for accuracy and repeatability.

A 1:16 ratio means 1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water. Scale up or down depending on how much you’re brewing.

Fine-Tune to Your Taste

Brewing is a personal process; part science, part artistry. Here’s how to adjust:

• Too strong? Add more water or use a higher ratio.

• Too weak? Add more coffee or lower the ratio.

• Tastes bitter? Try a coarser grind or shorter brew time.

• Tastes sour? Use a finer grind or lower ratio.

Quick Reference Ratios

Brewing with Stone Creek

At Stone Creek Coffee, we roast to highlight the story of each origin and the people behind it. Your brewing ratio helps tell that story at home.

And even though we would love to see you at a cafe, we are also here to help with your coffee game at home. If you need any of the brewing tools mentioned above, we’ve got you covered. 

Start with the golden ratio. Adjust with intention. And brew coffee that reflects who you are and what you love.