What is the ideal coffee to water ratio for French press?

The French press is an immersion brewing method, meaning the coffee grounds sit in the water for the entire duration of the brew. Because of this, the ratio you choose has a profound impact on the final body and strength of the coffee. A 1:15 ratio is a great starting point for those who enjoy a rich, full-bodied cup, while a 1:17 ratio often highlights the more nuanced, delicate notes of single-origin beans.

To find your perfect ratio, start by using a scale. Measuring by volume—like 'scoops'—is notoriously inaccurate because different roasts and bean densities take up different amounts of space. By weighing your coffee and your water, you ensure that you can replicate your favorite cup every single time. If you find your French press coffee tastes too muddy or bitter, you might be using too much coffee or grinding too fine, which increases the amount of sediment in the cup.

Remember that the French press is a forgiving method, but it is also prone to over-extraction if the contact time is too long. Most experts recommend a brew time of about four minutes. If you prefer a stronger cup, it is often better to increase your coffee-to-water ratio rather than simply letting the coffee steep for ten minutes, which can lead to astringency and a dry, papery mouthfeel.

In practice, start with 60 grams of coffee per liter of water. If the result is too strong, try 55 grams next time. If it is too weak, try 65 grams. Once you find the ratio that suits your palate, keep it constant and use your grind size to fine-tune the flavor. This systematic approach takes the guesswork out of brewing and ensures you get the best out of your beans.