Quick Answer
Ratio is written as 1:X, meaning 1 part coffee to X parts water by weight. Most methods fall between 1:15 and 1:17 — lower numbers make a stronger cup, higher numbers make it lighter.
The Simple Guide
| Method | Starting Ratio |
|---|---|
| Drip Coffee | 1:16 |
| Pour Over | 1:16 |
| French Press | 1:15 |
| Espresso | 1:2 |
| Cold Brew Concentrate | 1:8 |
Why It Matters
Ratio is the single biggest lever for strength. Grind and brew time control how flavor extracts — ratio controls how concentrated the final cup is, independent of extraction.
What To Do
Weigh your coffee and water when you can — a kitchen scale makes your results far more repeatable than scooping by volume. Start at the ratios above, then nudge up or down a gram or two in either direction to match your taste.
Connoisseur Tip
If your coffee tastes weak, check ratio before assuming your grind or brew time is wrong — it's the most common culprit, and the easiest to fix.