Coffee Brewing Calculator

Brewing the perfect cup of coffee is both an art and a science. This calculator helps you determine the ideal coffee-to-water ratio and brewing parameters based on your preferred brewing method and desired strength.

How to Use the Calculator

1. Select your brewing method
2. Enter the desired amount of coffee (cups or ml)
3. Choose your preferred strength
4. Get precise measurements for coffee and water

The calculator provides:

• Coffee bean quantity
• Water amount
• Brewing time
• Water temperature
• Grind size recommendation

Understanding Coffee Ratios

The standard “Golden Ratio” for coffee brewing is:

• 1:15 to 1:18 (coffee to water) for optimal extraction
• Typically 1-2 tablespoons per 6 ounces of water

Common brewing ratios by method:

• Pour Over: 1:16 to 1:17
• French Press: 1:15 to 1:16
• Espresso: 1:2 to 1:2.5
• Cold Brew: 1:4 to 1:5

The Math Behind the Calculator

The calculator uses these formulas to compute brewing parameters:

$$\text{Coffee Weight} = \frac{\text{Water Volume}}{\text{Brewing Ratio}}$$ $$\text{Total Dissolved Solids} = \frac{\text{Coffee Weight} \times \text{Extraction Yield}}{\text{Water Volume}} \times 100$$

Where:

• Water Volume is in grams or milliliters
• Coffee Weight is in grams
• Extraction Yield is typically 18-22%

Brewing Parameters by Method

Pour Over

• Water Temperature: 195-205°F (90-96°C)
• Brewing Time: 2-3 minutes
• Grind Size: Medium-fine
• Ratio: 1:16-1:17

French Press

• Water Temperature: 195-205°F (90-96°C)
• Brewing Time: 4 minutes
• Grind Size: Coarse
• Ratio: 1:15-1:16

Espresso

• Water Temperature: 195-200°F (90-93°C)
• Brewing Time: 25-30 seconds
• Grind Size: Fine
• Ratio: 1:2-1:2.5

Cold Brew

• Water Temperature: Room temperature
• Brewing Time: 12-24 hours
• Grind Size: Coarse
• Ratio: 1:4-1:5

Tips for Better Coffee

1. Use Fresh Beans: Coffee is best used within 2-4 weeks of roasting
2. Grind Just Before Brewing: Preserve flavors and aromatics
3. Use Filtered Water: Water quality significantly affects taste
4. Maintain Temperature: Keep water at the recommended temperature
5. Time Your Brew: Follow recommended brewing times

Factors Affecting Taste

• Grind Size: Affects extraction rate and flavor
• Water Temperature: Influences extraction efficiency
• Brewing Time: Determines strength and potential bitterness
• Water Quality: Impacts overall taste
• Bean Freshness: Affects flavor complexity

Remember that these are starting points - feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences. The perfect cup of coffee is the one that tastes best to you!