Brew Ratio

Brew ratio is the relationship between the amount of coffee and water used in brewing, expressed as coffee:water (e.g., 1:15 means 1 gram of coffee to 15 grams of water). It's one of the most important variables in coffee brewing, directly affecting strength and extraction. Common ratios range from 1:12 (strong, concentrated) to 1:18 (lighter, more tea-like). Espresso typically uses 1:2 (18g coffee to 36g output), pour-over 1:15 to 1:17, French press 1:15, and cold brew 1:8 to 1:12. The ratio determines how much coffee flavor compounds are extracted. A tighter ratio (more coffee) creates stronger, more concentrated coffee, while a wider ratio (less coffee) produces lighter, more diluted coffee. Finding your preferred ratio is key to consistent brewing.