Bad coffee can throw your day out of whack. I know, because I have been there – too many times. So grab a press and let’s find out about the magic formula – the French press coffee ratio. It unlocks easily repeatable great coffee.
French press coffee to water ratio chart
| Cups | Water | Weaker Coffee (16:1) | Regular Coffee (15:1) | Stronger Coffee (14:1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8.0oz / 226g | 0.5oz / 14g | 0.53oz / 15g | 0.56oz / 16g |
| 2 | 16.0oz / 452g | 1.0oz / 28g | 1.1oz / 30g | 1.15oz / 32g |
| 4 | 32.0oz / 907g | 2.0oz / 56g | 2,2oz / 60g | 2.3oz / 64g |
No one wants to drink coffee that is too weak or too strong for them. That’s why it’s so tempting to visit your favorite coffee shop. You know what you’re getting and how good it makes you feel. But making great coffee at home can be easy and taste great.
When you want a reliable satisfying cup of coffee, it’s important to have an easily repeatable process. So just get out your trusty cafetiere and use our French press coffee to water ratio table to brew a coffee. It’ll help you, with some trial and error, to brew coffee you will love, first time, every time.
French press ratio
A regular French press coffee to water ratio is 1:15. This means that for every 1 gram of coffee, you’ll need 15 grams of water. While this may seem like a lot of coffee, remember that the grind size affects how strong your coffee comes out.
How to make 1 cup
When it’s just you and the French press, why not indulge in a deep rich and refreshing cup of Joe. Start with my recommended measurements for a regular strength cup. If that is too weak or too strong then its easy to make an adjustment.
- Place the press onto your kitchen scales and heat the water.
- While the water is heating, grind 15 grams of your freshest and best coffee beans to a coarse texture and put them in your French press.
- Remove your kettle from the heat just before it reaches a boil. if you have a food thermometer aim for a temperature of 190°F (approximately 90°C).
- Pour 226 grams of heated water over the grounds, and gently stir for 10 seconds.
- Put the plunger over the top of the press, but do not push down.
- Set your timer for 4 minutes.
- When time is up, press down with slow but continuous motion until the plunger reaches the top of the grounds.
- Serve and enjoy.
How to make 2 cups
At home with a friend or loved one and really want a great coffee. Yes, you could make a run to your favorite coffee shop, but why not impress with a home made brew.
- Place the press onto your kitchen scales and heat the water.
- While the water is heating, grind 30 grams of your freshest coffee beans to a coarse texture, and add to the press.
- Remove your kettle from the heat just before it reaches a boil. if you have a food thermometer aim for a temperature of 190°F (approximately 90°C).
- Pour 452 grams of heated water over the grounds, and gently stir for 10 seconds.
- Put the plunger over the top of the press, but do not push down.
- Set your timer for 4 minutes.
- When time is up, press down with slow but continuous motion until the plunger reaches the top of the grounds.
- Serve and enjoy with a friend.
How to make 4 cups (32oz French press)
When there is a group of you together it’s a pain to have to go out to the coffee shop for a great cup of joe. So, why not make great coffee for everyone and keep the vibe going.
- Place the press onto your kitchen scales and heat the water.
- While the water is heating, grind 60 grams of your freshest coffee beans to a coarse texture and put them in your French press.
- Remove the kettle from the heat just before it reaches a boil. if you have a food thermometer aim for a temperature of 190°F (approximately 90°C).
- Pour 907 grams of heated water over the grounds, and gently stir for 10 seconds.
- Put the plunger over the top of the press, but do not push down.
- Set your timer for 4 minutes.
- When time is up, press down with slow but continuous motion until the plunger reaches the top of the grounds.
- Serve and enjoy with friends and family.
Adjusting the strength of your coffee
Like many things in life, you know when you are drinking a great cup of Joe. Equally, within a sip you know when its just not going to do it for you.
Coffee tastes too strong
A French press produces a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee, so if you’re looking for a less strong and bitter brew. Start over, but reduce the amount of coffee you add by 1 gram per cup of coffee you are brewing.
If that still comes out too strong, reduce by another 1 gram per cup you are making.
You will soon find your perfect brew.
Coffee tastes too weak
Brewing coffee with a French press makes it really easy to make great coffee. So, if your coffee is too weak, brew a fresh press, but add an extra 1 gram per cup of coffee you are brewing.
If the coffee is still too weak, add another 1 gram of coffee per cup.
Make sure you remember how much coffee you use so you can repeat it next time you want great coffee!
Conclusion – French press coffee ratio
Making French press coffee is easy once you know the right ratios and techniques. Be sure to use a coarse grind and freshly boiled water for best results. Steep for 4 minutes before pressing down on the plunger, and then pour and enjoy!
Hi, I’m Eric Loftuss, co-founder of Bean Thirst with my wife Sophie.
My Coffee journey started young. I used to help my mom with the weekly shopping trip and we always called in to a coffee wholesaler and retail outlet in our town.
I really started to learn about coffee when, while in college, I worked in a local coffee shop and trained as a barista. Even though I went on to qualify and work as a lawyer, I still get a kick out of brewing a cup of Joe.
Sophie and I are so glad to be part of your coffee journey. Find out more about us