Simple Coffee Calculator

A calculator to help you brew the perfect cup of coffee. Choose your brewing method, input the number of cups and water per cup, and we'll calculate the amount of coffee you need.

How to use the Coffee Calculator:

1. Choose your brewing method from the options below.
2. Input the number of cups you would like to make.
3. Input the amount of water you would like to use per cup.
4. The calculator will show you the amount of coffee you need to use.

Choose your brewing method:

French Press

French Press

Pour Over v60

Pour Over v60

Aeropress

Aeropress

Chemex

Chemex

Moka Pot

Moka Pot

How many cups of coffee would you like to make?

Coffee Brewing Methods

There are many different ways to brew coffee, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some of the most popular brewing methods include:

French Press

Rich, full-bodied coffee with bold flavors and natural oils

Pour Over

Clean, bright coffee highlighting unique bean characteristics

Aeropress

Smooth, versatile brewing method perfect for travel

Chemex

Ultra-clean coffee with bright acidity and elegant presentation

Moka Pot

Strong, espresso-like coffee with concentrated intensity

About the Coffee Calculator

This calculator is designed to help you brew the perfect cup of coffee. It takes into account the amount of water you want to use per cup and the number of cups you want to make. The calculator will then show you the exact amount of coffee you need to use to make the perfect cup of coffee.

Understanding Coffee-to-Water Ratios

Understanding the coffee-to-water ratio is crucial for brewing an excellent cup of coffee. Each method has its ideal ratio that balances the extraction process, giving you a flavorful cup. Here's an overview of the ideal coffee-to-water ratios for each method:

French Press

Ratio: 1:12 to 1:15 (1 gram of coffee to 12–15 grams of water)

French press requires coarsely ground coffee for optimal extraction. A 1:15 ratio is a common starting point, offering a balanced brew without being too strong or weak.

Example: For 30 grams of coffee, use 450 ml of water (at a 1:15 ratio).

Pour-Over (V60 or Kalita Wave)

Ratio: 1:15 to 1:17 (1 gram of coffee to 15–17 grams of water)

This method calls for a medium grind size, and the slower pour allows for nuanced flavors. The 1:16 ratio is a middle ground, but adjust to taste.

Example: For 20 grams of coffee, use 320 ml of water (at a 1:16 ratio).

Aeropress

Ratio: 1:10 to 1:16 (1 gram of coffee to 10–16 grams of water)

Aeropress is versatile, allowing for various grind sizes and brew times. A 1:16 ratio is a good starting point for a balanced cup.

Example: For 18 grams of coffee, use 270 ml of water (at a 1:15 ratio).

Chemex

Ratio: 1:15 to 1:17 (1 gram of coffee to 15–17 grams of water)

Chemex filters are thicker, which gives a cleaner cup with less sediment. Medium-coarse grind is preferred. Start with a 1:16 ratio, but adjust based on strength preferences.

Example: For 40 grams of coffee, use 640 ml of water (at a 1:16 ratio).

Moka Pot

Ratio: 1:7 to 1:12 (1 gram of coffee to 7–12 grams of water)

The Moka pot uses pressure to extract a rich, espresso-like coffee. A 1:10 ratio is common, offering a stronger flavor without over-extracting. The grind should be fine, but not as fine as for espresso.

Example: For 15 grams of coffee, use about 150 ml of water (at a 1:10 ratio).

Quick Reference Summary

French Press

Ratio: 1:12 to 1:15
Grind: Coarse
Time: 4 minutes

Pour Over V60

Ratio: 1:15 to 1:17
Grind: Medium-Fine
Time: 3-4 minutes

Aeropress

Ratio: 1:10 to 1:16
Grind: Fine
Time: 1-2 minutes

Chemex

Ratio: 1:15 to 1:17
Grind: Medium-Coarse
Time: 4-6 minutes

Moka Pot

Ratio: 1:7 to 1:12
Grind: Fine
Time: 5-8 minutes

These ratios are a starting point, and you can adjust them based on your taste preferences. The key is to experiment and find the ratio that gives you the perfect cup of coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee for 12 cups?

For 12 cups (3 liters) of coffee using a standard drip method, you'll need approximately 180-200 grams of coffee. This follows the golden ratio of 1:15 to 1:17 (coffee to water). Use our calculator above to get exact measurements for your preferred brewing method and strength.

What is the perfect coffee to water ratio?

The perfect ratio varies by brewing method: French Press (1:12-1:15), Pour Over (1:15-1:17), Aeropress (1:10-1:16), Chemex (1:15-1:17), and Moka Pot (1:7-1:12). Our calculator automatically uses the optimal ratio for each method.

How many grams of coffee per cup?

For a standard 250ml cup, use 15-17 grams of coffee for most brewing methods. This can vary based on your strength preference: mild (12-14g), medium (15-17g), or strong (18-20g) per cup.

What grind size should I use for each brewing method?

Grind size affects extraction: French Press (coarse), Pour Over V60 (medium-fine), Aeropress (fine), Chemex (medium-coarse), Moka Pot (fine). Our calculator shows the recommended grind size for each method.

How long should I brew coffee for each method?

Brewing times vary: French Press (4 minutes), Pour Over V60 (3-4 minutes), Aeropress (1-2 minutes), Chemex (4-6 minutes), Moka Pot (5-8 minutes). Longer brewing extracts more flavor but can lead to bitterness if overdone.

Can I use this calculator for cold brew coffee?

Cold brew requires a different ratio (1:8 to 1:10) and longer brewing time (12-24 hours). While our current calculator focuses on hot brewing methods, the principles remain the same - just adjust the ratio for stronger cold brew concentrate.