How Much Coffee Do You Need for the Perfect Brew?
How much ground coffee should you use to brew the perfect cup? It is a question every coffee lover needs to know the answer to. Brewing coffee is equal parts art and science, so getting the right balance of ground coffee to water is the key to consistency, exceptional flavor, and a deeply satisfying cup. When you know the right ratio for all your preferred brewing methods, your daily cup transforms from routine to revolutionary!
At Kauai Coffee, we recommend a volume measurement of two heaping tablespoons of ground coffee to six ounces of water or a weight ratio of 1 part coffee to 16 parts water. However, the perfect ratio ultimately comes down to your preferences.
This complete guide to brewing ratios for every method will walk you through that starting point as well as ratios by weight to help you fine-tune your brew for each method. We've included a quick reference chart you can pin in your kitchen, along with in-depth information you can study to enhance your at-home barista skills.
Why the Coffee to Water Ratio is Important
The coffee-to-water ratio you brew is one of the primary factors that determines whether your cup is bold and strong, smooth and balanced, or weak and watery. Our base recipe of two tablespoons per six ounces of water works well for most brewing methods and tastes, but you can refine your brew by using a weight ratio instead.
Measuring Coffee
When it comes to brewing coffee, you can measure in two ways: by volume (tablespoons and cups/fluid ounces) or by weight (grams of coffee to grams of water).
Measuring by Volume
- Uses spoons and cups for quick, simple measurements.
- Works well for everyday brewing when you want speed and convenience.
- Our base recipe of two tablespoons of coffee to six fluid ounces of water is easy to follow with basic kitchen tools.
- Limitation: coffee beans vary in density, so tablespoons are not always precise.
Measuring by Weight
- Uses a digital scale to measure both coffee and water in grams.
- Delivers the most accurate and consistent results because it accounts for bean density and grind size.
- Common ratios like 1:15 or 1:16 refer to grams of coffee compared to grams of water.
- Best choice if you want to refine flavor and repeat your perfect cup every time.
Which is Better?
- For beginners or casual brewing, measuring by volume works fine.
- For coffee lovers seeking to highlight the unique flavors of their coffee and get the most delicious outcome from our 100% Hawaiian Coffee, measuring by weight provides greater control and consistency.
Quick Reference Chart for How Much Coffee to Use by Volume
Tip: start with these measurements and adjust slightly stronger or lighter until you find your perfect cup.
Brewing Method Ratios by Weight
Brewing by weight is a more precise way to get the perfect cup.
Drip Coffee Maker
- Weight ratio: 1:16
- Volume measurement: 12 tbsp coffee to 36 ounces of water
- Grind size: Medium (like granulated sugar)
- Additional tips: Use paper or reusable filters, and brew fresh. For a stronger cup, add a tablespoon of coffee for every two servings.
- Use our Medium Roast 100% Hawaiian Coffee
Pour Over
- Weight ratio: 1:16
- Volume measurement: 4 tbsp coffee to 12 ounces of water
- Grind size: Medium-coarse (slightly coarser than drip)
- Additional tips: Bloom grounds for 30 seconds, then pour water in slow spirals.
- Pour over brewing highlights the bright, nuanced flavors of your coffee. Try something with bright or berry notes like our medium roast Estate Reserve Typica.
French Press
The brewing capacity of your French Press may affect how much you can brew.
- Weight ratio: 1:15
- Volume measurement: 8 tbsp coffee to 124 ounces of water
- Grind size: Coarse (like sea salt)
- Additional tips: Steep for 4 minutes, then plunge slowly. Brings out the full body and natural sweetness of Hawaiian Coffee.
Cold Brew Concentrate
The ratio for cold brew concentrate is closer to 1:8 by weight. This creates a robust concentrate that should be diluted with water or milk to serve.
- Ratio: 2 cups coarse-ground coffee to 8 cups cold water.
- Stir, cover, and steep for 12–18 hours in the refrigerator.
- Strain and serve over ice or dilute with water or milk to taste.
- Cold brew made with Hawaiian Coffee is naturally smooth and refreshing.
Espresso
Espresso is a highly concentrated brew, so the weight ratio is just one part coffee to two parts water. Brewing espresso by weight is recommended.
- Weight ratio: 1:2
- Grind size: Very fine (like powdered sugar)
- Additional tips: Tamp evenly for consistent extraction. Hawaiian coffee produces bold chocolate and nutty flavors as an espresso. Try our Poipu Estate Espresso Roast.
Moka Pot
A Moka Pot is a type of manual espresso brewer, so the weight ratio is closer to 1:7. Brewing by weight is recommended.
- Weight ratio: about 1:7
- Grind size: Fine, but not as fine as espresso (like table salt)
- Additional tips: Fill the basket evenly without packing and add water just to below the safety valve.
AeroPress
AeroPress is another manual method for brewing an espresso-like coffee.
- Weight ratio: 1:14 (15 g coffee to 210 g water)
- Volume measurement: 3 tbsp coffee to 8 ounces of water
- Grind size: Medium-fine (like pour over)
- Additional tips: Experiment with brew times and inversion method.
Advanced Brewing Tips for Precision
- Experiment with ratios by adjusting grams slightly up or down to find your sweet spot.
- Water quality matters. Use filtered water for the cleanest flavor.
- The right water temperature is between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grind just before brewing to get the freshest flavor from your Hawaiian Coffee.
Common Brewing Questions
- What if I like strong coffee? Add one extra tablespoon of coffee per cup or use a slightly finer grind.
- How do I make lighter coffee without losing flavor? Use the basic recipe, but try lighter roasts like our Kope Olenalena.
- Does roast type change how much coffee to use? No, but dark roasts taste stronger, so you may use less. Medium and light roasts often taste best at the standard ratio.
- Can I reuse coffee grounds? No, not for brewing. Reused grounds will produce weak, bitter coffee with no aroma. You can repurpose used grounds in your garden; they make great compost!
Brew Your Best with Kauai Coffee
The perfect cup of coffee begins with the right amount of coffee and water. Start with two tablespoons of coffee to six ounces of water, then explore the brew methods and tips in this guide to discover your personal ideal.
When you brew with 100% Hawaiian coffee, you are not only enjoying a delicious cup but also connecting with the island and our ‘ohana that make it all possible.
Explore our collection of Hawaiian Coffees and find the perfect beans to brew your best cup yet.
