Brew Ratio
The proportion of dry coffee to water (or beverage) used to brew. The first number people change when they want a stronger or weaker cup.
Brew ratio is expressed as dose : water (or dose : beverage). A 1:16 ratio means 1 gram of coffee per 16 grams of water. A 1:2 espresso means 1 gram of coffee in, 2 grams of espresso out.
The conventions: espresso vs. filter
Espresso ratio is measured as dose-to-beverage (the liquid in the cup). Filter ratio is measured as dose-to-water (what you started with). They're different because espresso captures most of the water as beverage, while filter retains 25–35% of the brew water in the bed.
| Method | Ratio | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ristretto | 1:1 – 1:1.5 | 18 g → 18–27 g |
| Espresso (normale) | 1:2 | 18 g → 36 g |
| Lungo | 1:2.5 – 1:3 | 18 g → 45–54 g |
| Pour over (standard) | 1:16 | 15 g coffee + 240 g water |
| Pour over (lighter) | 1:17 – 1:18 | 15 g coffee + 255–270 g water |
| Pour over (stronger) | 1:14 – 1:15 | 15 g coffee + 210–225 g water |
| AeroPress (concentrate) | 1:8 – 1:12 | 17 g coffee + 130–200 g water |
| French press | 1:15 – 1:17 | 30 g coffee + 450–510 g water |
| Cold brew (concentrate) | 1:4 – 1:8 | 200 g coffee + 800–1600 g water |
Ratio vs. extraction — they're different
Ratio sets a strength range. Extraction yield determines how the cup tastes within that range. Two cups at the same 1:16 ratio can taste very different depending on grind, temperature, agitation, and water — one might be 18% extraction (sour and thin), another 22% (bitter and harsh). Same ratio, different cup.
When to change ratio
- Cup tastes balanced but weak: tighten ratio (less water relative to coffee). 1:16 → 1:15.
- Cup tastes balanced but too strong / bitter: loosen ratio. 1:16 → 1:17.
- Cup tastes sour: don't change ratio — adjust grind finer first.
- Cup tastes harsh: don't change ratio — adjust grind coarser first.
Related terms
- TDS — the strength reading that ratio controls.
- Extraction Yield — separate from ratio; determines taste inside the strength range.
- Dial-In — typically holds ratio constant and adjusts grind.
Auto-calculated brew ratio on every brew.
Enter dose and water; HomeBarista handles the math.
