How do I calculate the coffee to water ratio for pour over?

The coffee-to-water ratio is the foundation of every great cup of coffee. It is the most effective way to ensure that your brew is consistent from day to day. Without a scale, you are relying on volume measurements like 'scoops,' which are notoriously inaccurate because different roasts and bean densities take up different amounts of space. A scale removes the guesswork and gives you total control over your recipe.

A ratio of 1:16 (one part coffee to 16 parts water) is widely considered the 'golden ratio' for pour-over brewing. It provides a balanced cup that is neither too weak nor too intense. If you find your coffee is too strong, you can move toward a 1:17 ratio; if it is too weak, you can move toward 1:15. Once you find a ratio you enjoy, stick with it as your baseline and only change your grind size to adjust the flavor.

To calculate your recipe, start with the amount of coffee you want to brew. If you are using a standard 20-gram dose, multiply 20 by 16 to get 320 grams of water. If you are using a larger dripper and want to brew for two people, you might use 30 grams of coffee, which would require 480 grams of water. Always remember to tare your scale to zero after placing your dripper and filter on it, and again after adding your coffee.

In practice, using a scale also helps you track your pouring technique. You can pour in stages—for example, a 50-gram bloom, followed by two 135-gram pours—to ensure you hit your target weight exactly. This level of precision is what separates a good cup of coffee from a great one. Once you master the ratio, you will find that you can replicate your favorite cafe-style brews in your own kitchen with ease.