The Coffee Ratio Calculator
Dial in the perfect brew — whether you're measuring coffee to water or building espresso milk drinks.
Recommended Ratio
1 : 16
1g coffee to 16g water
30.0g
Coffee
480ml
Water
280 ml
Latte
Understanding the Science
How Coffee Ratios Work
A coffee-to-water ratio describes how much coffee you use relative to water. It's the foundation of every good brew.
1
What does "1:16" mean?
For every 1 gram of ground coffee, add 16 grams of water. Higher second number = lighter cup. Lower = bolder.
2
Why grams, not scoops?
A scoop of light-roast weighs differently from dark roast. A scale removes guesswork entirely.
3
Extraction & strength
More water extracts more compounds — but past a point, you get bitterness. The right ratio hits the sweet spot.
4
Ratio vs. grind vs. time
Ratio controls concentration. Grind size controls speed. Brew time controls contact. They work together — but ratio is where you start.
Ratio Comparison
Espresso + Milk
How Milk Drinks Work
Every café milk drink starts with espresso. What changes is the milk amount, texture, and extras.
1
The espresso base
A double shot is ~18g coffee yielding 36ml liquid. Most milk drinks use a double. Espresso quality determines the drink.
2
Texture over volume
Flat white vs latte? Same milk, different texture. Microfoam = velvety flat white. Looser foam = airy latte.
3
Temperature = sweetness
Milk peaks at 55-65°C. Above 70°C it scalds. Iced drinks often need added sweetener since cold mutes sweetness.
4
The Spanish latte
UAE favourite: condensed milk under espresso, topped with milk. Adds sweetness and body without syrup. Iced versions are a summer essential.
Quick Reference
Brewing Methods
Every Method, Dialled In
The recommended starting ratio for each method and what makes it unique.
Pour Over
1:15 – 1:17
Gravity-fed through a bed of grounds. Clean, bright cup. V60, Chemex, Kalita Wave.
Medium-fine92-96°C3-4 min
French Press
1:15 – 1:18
Full immersion, metal mesh. Heavier body, oils pass through.
Coarse93-96°C4 min
Espresso
1:1.5 – 1:2.5
High-pressure, 25-30 sec. Concentrated with crema. Base for milk drinks.
Fine9 bars25-30 sec
AeroPress
1:10 – 1:13
Hybrid immersion-pressure. Endlessly versatile.
Medium-fine80-95°C1-2 min
Cold Brew
1:5 – 1:8
12-24 hour steep. Smooth, low-acid. Perfect for UAE summers.
Extra coarseRoom temp12-24 hrs
Moka Pot
1:6 – 1:8
Stovetop pressure. Espresso-like. Popular across the Middle East.
Medium-fineLow heat4-5 min
Turkish / Arabic
1:5 – 1:6
Ultra-fine in a cezve/dallah. Often with cardamom or saffron.
Powder-fineLow simmer3-5 min
Ready to Brew Better?
Browse our beans, machines, scales, and gear — everything to put these ratios into practice.