Getting the amount of coffee right for a french press is the single most important step for a great cup. It’s the difference between a weak, watery brew and a rich, flavorful one. This guide will give you the simple measurements and techniques you need.
You don’t need to be a professional barista. With a few key tips, you can make cafe-quality coffee at home every single time. Let’s get straight to the details.
How Much Coffee For A French Press
This is the core question. The answer depends on your press size and how strong you like your coffee. We’ll cover the standard ratios first, then get into the specifics for different models.
The Golden Ratio: Coffee to Water
Most coffee experts agree on a good starting point. This is called the brew ratio. For a french press, a ratio of 1:15 is a great place to begin.
- That means 1 part coffee to 15 parts water.
- By weight, this is the most accurate method. A kitchen scale is your best friend here.
- For example, 30 grams of coffee would need 450 grams (or milliliters) of water.
If you don’t have a scale, you can use tablespoons. But be warned, this is less precise because grind size effects volume. A coarse grind takes up more space than a fine one.
Measurements by Press Size
Here’s a quick reference chart for common french press sizes. These measurements use the 1:15 ratio and assume a medium-coarse grind.
3-Cup Press (12 oz / 350 ml)
- Water: 350 ml
- Coffee (by weight): 23 grams
- Coffee (by volume): About 4.5 tablespoons
4-Cup Press (17 oz / 500 ml)
- Water: 500 ml
- Coffee (by weight): 33 grams
- Coffee (by volume): About 6.5 tablespoons
8-Cup Press (34 oz / 1 Liter)
This is the most common size found in homes. For a full 1-liter press:
- Water: 1000 ml (1 Liter)
- Coffee (by weight): 67 grams
- Coffee (by volume): About 13 tablespoons
Remember, a “cup” in coffee maker terms is usually only 4-5 ounces, not a full 8-ounce mug. So an “8-cup” press makes about 4 standard mugs.
12-Cup Press (51 oz / 1.5 Liters)
- Water: 1500 ml
- Coffee (by weight): 100 grams
- Coffee (by volume): About 20 tablespoons
Adjusting for Your Taste
The 1:15 ratio is a guideline, not a strict law. Your perfect cup might be different.
- For stronger, more intense coffee: Use a 1:14 or even 1:13 ratio. Add more coffee.
- For lighter, more tea-like coffee: Use a 1:16 or 1:17 ratio. Use slightly less coffee.
The best way to dial it in is to experiment. Write down what you use each time until you find your sweet spot.
Why a Scale Beats Scoops Every Time
Using a digital kitchen scale seems fussy at first, but it’s a game-changer. Here’s why:
- Consistency: Your coffee will taste the same every morning.
- Accuracy: Different beans and grinds have different densities. A tablespoon of dark roast may weigh less than a tablespoon of light roast.
- Ease: Just tare your scale with the empty press on it, add beans until you hit your number, then add water to the final weight.
It’s actually faster and cleaner than using measuring spoons once you get the hang of it.
The Complete Step-by-Step French Press Method
Now that you know how much coffee for a french press to use, let’s put it all together. Follow these steps for the best results.
Step 1: Heat Your Water
Use fresh, cold water. Bring it to a boil, then let it sit for about 30 seconds. The ideal brewing temperature is between 195°F and 205°F (90°C to 96°C). Water that’s too hot will burn the coffee, making it taste bitter.
Step 2: Grind Your Coffee
Always use fresh, whole bean coffee and grind it just before brewing. For french press, you need a coarse, even grind.
- It should look like coarse sea salt or breadcrumbs.
- A fine grind will slip through the mesh filter and make your coffee muddy and over-extracted.
- If you don’t have a grinder, ask your local coffee shop to grind it for a french press. Use it within a week or two for best flavor.
Step 3: Pre-heat and Add Coffee
Pour a little hot water into the empty press to warm it up. Swirl it around and then pour it out. This keeps your brew hot longer. Add your measured coffee grounds to the bottom of the dry, warm press.
Step 4: The Bloom (Optional but Recommended)
Start your timer. Pour just enough hot water to saturate all the grounds (about twice the weight of the coffee). You’ll see it bubble and foam—this is the “bloom,” where gases escape.
Let it sit for 30 seconds. This helps the water extract flavor more evenly later.
Step 5: Pour and Steep
After the bloom, slowly pour in the rest of your hot water. Give it a gentle stir with a wooden or plastic spoon (metal can crack the glass). Place the lid on top with the plunger pulled all the way up. Let it steep for 4 minutes.
Steeping time is key. Less than 4 minutes often tastes weak and sour. More than 5 can get bitter. Set a timer!
Step 6: Plunge and Serve
Press the plunger down slowly and steadily. If you meet a lot of resistance, your grind is too fine. Once pressed, pour all the coffee out immediately into your mug or a carafe.
Do not let it sit in the press with the grounds! It will continue to brew and become bitter. If you made more than one cup, serving it into another pot is the best way to keep it tasting good.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even with the right amount, things can go wrong. Here are typical pitfalls.
Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Grind Size
This is the most common error. A fine drip or espresso grind will cause two problems: it will over-extract quickly, tasting bitter, and fine silt will get through the filter.
Fix: Invest in a burr grinder and set it to a coarse setting. Look for the consistency of raw sugar.
Mistake 2: Not Cleaning Thoroughly
Old oils and grounds get stuck in the mesh filter. This makes your next cup taste rancid and off.
Fix: Take the filter assembly completely apart after each use. Wash all pieces with soap and water, and dry them fully before reassembling.
Mistake 3: Letting it Sit After Plunging
As mentioned, leaving the coffee in contact with the grounds ruins the flavor.
Fix: Decant immediately. If your press is large, only make what you’ll drink right away, or pour the extra into a thermal carafe to keep it warm without cooking it.
Mistake 4: Inconsistent Water Temperature
Guessing the water temp leads to uneven brews. Sometimes it’s weak, sometimes it’s burnt.
Fix: Use a thermometer, or simply follow the “boil and wait 30 seconds” method. It’s surprisingly reliable.
Choosing Your Coffee Beans
The amount of coffee is crucial, but the bean itself matters just as much. The french press method is forgiving and highlights the coffee’s natural character.
Roast Level
- Light Roast: Bright, acidic, with more fruity or floral notes. The french press body balances the acidity nicely.
- Medium Roast: Balanced, with good sweetness and body. A great all-rounder for the press.
- Dark Roast: Bold, smoky, and lower in acidity. Very popular for a hearty, strong cup.
There’s no wrong choice. It’s all about your preference. Try a few different kinds to see what you like.
Freshness is Everything
Coffee is best used within a month of its roast date. Look for a “Roasted On” date on the bag, not just a “Best By” date.
Store your beans in an airtight container at room temperature, away from light, heat, and moisture. Do not store them in the fridge or freezer, as this can cause condensation and degrade flavor.
FAQ Section
How much coffee do I put in a 4 cup french press?
For a standard 4-cup (500 ml) press, use about 33 grams of coffee by weight, or roughly 6.5 tablespoons. Use 500 ml of hot water.
What is the best coffee to water ratio for french press?
The best starting ratio is 1:15 (coffee to water). That means 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams (or ml) of water. Adjust from there based on your taste for strength.
How many scoops of coffee for a 8 cup french press?
For an 8-cup (1 liter) press, you’ll need about 67 grams of coffee. Using a standard tablespoon, this is roughly 13 scoops. Remember, a scale is more accurate because scoop sizes can vary.
Can I use pre-ground coffee in a french press?
You can, but make sure it’s ground for a coarse setting, like “cafetiere” or “french press.” Pre-ground for drip machines is usually to fine and will make a muddy, bitter brew. It also goes stale faster than whole beans.
Why is my french press coffee always bitter?
Bitterness is usually from over-extraction. The main causes are: 1) Your grind is to fine, 2) You’re steeping for too long (over 5 minutes), or 3) You’re using water that’s to hot. Check these three factors first.
How long should french press coffee steep?
Four minutes is the ideal steeping time for most coffees. Use a timer for consistency. If your coffee tastes sour, try steeping a bit longer. If it’s bitter, try a shorter time.
Advanced Tips for the Perfect Brew
Once you’ve mastered the basics, these extra steps can refine your technique even further.
Water Quality Matters
Your coffee is 98% water. If your tap water tastes bad or is very hard, it will effect your coffee. Using filtered water can make a noticeable improvement in clarity and taste.
Weigh Your Output
Just as you weigh your input, you can weigh your final brew. This accounts for water absorbed by the grounds (they retain about twice their weight in water). For 30g of coffee, you should get about 420g of liquid coffee out.
Try a Different Ratio for Different Beans
Dense, light roast beans might taste better with a slightly higher ratio (like 1:14) to extract more flavor. Softer, dark roast beans might shine at 1:16. Don’t be afraid to experiment each time you get a new bag.
The Importance of the Pour
Pour the water in a circular motion to wet all the grounds evenly. A gentle stir after pouring ensures no dry clumps are left at the bottom, which would lead to uneven extraction.
Getting the perfect amount of coffee for your french press is a simple skill that pays off every morning. It starts with a good ratio—around 1:15 is your friend—and a reliable scale. From there, focus on a coarse grind, four-minute steep, and pouring the coffee out right after plunging.
The beauty of the french press is it’s simplicity and the full-bodied, rich coffee it produces. With these guidelines, you can move past guesswork and make a fantastic cup every single time. Now, all that’s left is to go put the kettle on and enjoy the results.