The Grind CalcFree online tool
Coffee ratio calculator
Use a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio as a starting point — about 15 g coffee per 240 ml water. Adjust stronger (1:15) or lighter (1:17) to taste.
Standard brew
Coffee to water ratio
Coffee
20 g
4 tbsp
Water
320 ml
10.8 fl oz
Cups
1.35
US cups
Ratio
1:16
by weight
How this ratio works
Coffee ratios are expressed by weight: 1 part ground coffee to X parts water. A 1:16 ratio means 1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams (milliliters) of water. This calculator converts between grams, tablespoons, cups, and fluid ounces so you can brew with whatever you have on hand.
Tips for standard brew
- Weigh coffee in grams for consistency; tablespoons vary by grind size.
- Use filtered water heated to 195–205°F (90–96°C) for hot brews.
- A standard US mug is about 8–12 oz (240–355 ml).
Frequently asked questions
What is the best coffee-to-water ratio?+
A 1:16 ratio is a reliable starting point for most hot brew methods — about 15 grams of coffee per 240 ml water. Adjust to 1:15 for a stronger cup or 1:17 for a lighter cup.
How do I calculate ratio for coffee?+
Divide your water weight (in grams or ml) by your coffee weight in grams. If you use 300 ml water and 20 g coffee, the ratio is 300 ÷ 20 = 15, written as 1:15.
How much coffee for 3 cups of water?+
Three US cups is about 711 ml. At a 1:16 ratio, use roughly 44 g coffee (about 9 tablespoons). Use the calculator above and select cups as your water unit.
Is it 1 or 2 tablespoons of coffee per cup?+
One level tablespoon is roughly 5 g. For one 8 oz cup (237 ml) at 1:16, you need about 15 g coffee — close to 3 tablespoons, not 1 or 2. Weighing in grams is more accurate.
How many grams of coffee per cup?+
For a standard 8 oz cup at 1:16, use about 15 g coffee. For a larger 12 oz mug, use about 22 g. Enter your cup size in the calculator for an exact amount.