Getting the amount of coffee right is the first step to a great cup. If you’re wondering how much coffee for pour over, you’re asking the perfect question to start with. The answer balances your taste preferences with a reliable coffee-to-water ratio. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from basic measurements to fine-tuning your brew.
Using the wrong amount of coffee is a common mistake. Too little, and your coffee will taste weak and sour. Too much, and it can become bitter and overpowering. By understanding the principles behind the measurements, you can make a consistently excellent pour over every single time.
How Much Coffee For Pour Over
This is the core question. A standard starting point for pour over coffee is a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio. This means for every 1 gram of coffee, you use 16 grams of water. This ratio is a great launchpad for most preferences.
For a typical mug of coffee (about 12 fluid ounces), you would use roughly 22 grams of coffee beans. For a larger brew, like a full carafe (about 24 ounces), aim for around 44 grams. Remember, these are starting points. Your perfect cup might be a little stronger or a little lighter.
The Golden Ratio: Coffee to Water
The coffee-to-water ratio is your most important tool. It’s more precise than using scoops, because coffee beans have different densities.
- 1:15 Ratio: Produces a stronger, more intense cup. Good for medium or dark roasts.
- 1:16 Ratio: The balanced middle ground. Works well for most roast levels.
- 1:17 Ratio: Yields a lighter, more tea-like cup. Can highlight delicate flavors in light roasts.
Weighing your coffee and water with a digital scale is the best way to ensure accuracy. It takes the guesswork out and leads to repeatable results.
Why Grams Beat Scoops and Tablespoons
Using volume measurements like scoops is inconsistent. A scoop of dark roast coffee weighs less than a scoop of light roast because the beans are less dense. This means you could accidentally use much more coffee with a light roast.
- A standard “tablespoon” of coffee can weigh anywhere from 4 to 7 grams.
- This variance can throw your ratio off by a huge amount.
- A $20 digital kitchen scale is the best investment you can make for better coffee.
If you must use volume, know that two level tablespoons is roughly 10-12 grams of coffee. But for real consistency, a scale is non-negotiable.
Adjusting for Your Taste
The standard ratio is just a beginning. Your personal taste should guide your final recipe. Here’s how to adjust.
- If your coffee tastes sour or weak: Use more coffee. Try a tighter ratio, like 1:15. This means less water for the same amount of grounds.
- If your coffee tastes bitter or harsh: Use less coffee. Try a looser ratio, like 1:17. This means more water flowing through the grounds.
- Make one change at a time. Adjust the ratio first before changing your grind size.
Keep a small notebook. Write down your ratio, grind setting, and what you thought of the taste. This makes it easy to replicate your best cups.
How Much Water Do You Actually Need?
You need to account for water loss. Some water is absorbed by the coffee grounds, and a tiny bit evaporates. A good rule is to start with about 20% more water than your final desired brew weight.
- For a 300ml (10 oz) cup: Use 360ml of water total.
- For a 500ml (17 oz) carafe: Use 600ml of water total.
- The coffee grounds will hold back about 2 grams of water per gram of coffee.
Your final brewed coffee volume will be less than the water you poured. Planning for this ensures you get a full cup.
Step-by-Step: Measuring for a Single Cup
- Place your dripper and empty mug on the scale. Turn it on.
- Add your paper filter and rinse it with hot water. Discard the rinse water.
- Add 20 grams of medium-ground coffee to the filter. Tap to level it.
- Zero (tare) the scale again. Now you’re ready to measure water.
- You’ll need 320 grams of water for a 1:16 ratio (20g x 16).
- Bloom with 40 grams of water, wait 30 seconds, then pour the remaining 280 grams in slow circles.
Step-by-Step: Measuring for Multiple Cups
- Use a pour over brewer designed for volume, like a Chemex or large V60.
- Place the brewer with its filter on the scale, on top of your serving carafe.
- Add 45 grams of coffee. This is for about 24 ounces of brewed coffee.
- Tare the scale. You will need 720 grams of water (45g x 16).
- Bloom with 90 grams of water. After 45 seconds, begin your main pour in stages to avoid overflowing.
The Impact of Coffee Freshness and Roast
Freshness and roast level change how coffee behaves. Very fresh coffee releases more gas, needing a longer bloom. Dark roasts are more soluble, meaning they extract flavors faster than light roasts.
- Light Roasts: Denser. You might use a slightly finer grind or a tighter ratio (1:15) to get more flavor.
- Dark Roasts: Less dense. They can taste bitter if over-extracted. A slightly coarser grind or a looser ratio (1:17) can work well.
- Always buy whole bean coffee and grind it just before brewing for the freshest taste.
Grind Size: The Other Half of the Equation
Grind size works hand-in-hand with coffee amount. If you change your dose, you might need to adjust your grind to get the brew time right.
- Too fine a grind with the right amount of coffee can lead to over-extraction and bitterness. The water flows to slowly.
- Too coarse a grind with the right amount of coffee leads to under-extraction and sourness. The water flows through to fast.
- Aim for a total brew time (including bloom) of 2:30 to 3:30 minutes for a single cup.
Think of it like this: The amount of coffee is the “what,” and the grind size is the “how” of extraction. They need to be in sync.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even with the right amount, small errors can affect your brew. Here’s what to watch for.
- Mistake: Not using a scale. Fix: Get one. It’s the single biggest improvement you can make.
- Mistake: Inconsistent pouring. Fix: Practice a slow, steady, circular pour. A gooseneck kettle helps immensely.
- Mistake: Ignoring the bloom. Fix: Always bloom. Use twice the weight of water as coffee, and wait 30-45 seconds.
- Mistake: Using old, pre-ground coffee. Fix: Invest in a burr grinder and buy fresh whole beans.
Equipment That Makes Measuring Easier
The right tools remove variables and make the process smoother.
- Digital Scale: Look for one with 0.1 gram precision and a timer is a bonus.
- Burr Grinder: Creates uniform particles for even extraction. Blade grinders are too inconsistent.
- Gooseneck Kettle: Gives you precise control over water flow and placement.
- Quality Filter: Use filters made for your specific brewer. Bleached or natural is a personal choice.
Putting It All Together: Your Pour Over Recipe
Let’s combine everything into one simple, repeatable recipe for a fantastic single cup.
- Heat Water: Bring 360ml of water to 200°F (93°C).
- Prepare Brewer: Place filter, rinse with hot water, discard water.
- Weigh & Grind: Weigh 22 grams of coffee. Grind to a medium consistency (like table salt).
- Bloom: Add coffee to filter, level it. Pour 44 grams of water evenly over grounds. Swirl gently. Wait 30 seconds.
- Pour: Slowly pour the remaining water in small circles, keeping the water level consistent. Avoid pouring directly on the filter. Target a total brew time of 3 minutes.
- Enjoy: Once dripping stops, remove the brewer, give your coffee a quick stir, and pour into your cup.
FAQ: Your Pour Over Coffee Questions
How many tablespoons of coffee for a pour over?
We strongly recommend using grams for accuracy. However, approximately 2 level tablespoons of coffee beans yields about 10-12 grams. For a standard 12oz cup, you’d need about 4 tablespoons (which is 20-22 grams). Remember, this can vary a lot based on your grinder and the coffee’s roast.
What is the best coffee to water ratio for pour over?
The best starting ratio is 1:16 (1 gram of coffee to 16 grams of water). This is widely considered the most balanced. From there, you can adjust to your taste. Try 1:15 for a stronger cup or 1:17 for a lighter one.
Can I make just one cup of pour over coffee?
Absolutely! Pour over is ideal for single cups. Use 18-22 grams of coffee and 290-350 grams of water, depending on your desired cup size and strength. Smaller brewers like the Hario V60 Size 01 or a Kalita Wave 155 are perfect for this.
Why does my pour over coffee taste bitter?
Bitterness usually means over-extraction. This happens when to much water interacts with the coffee grounds, or it interacts for to long. To fix it, try using a coarser grind size, slightly less coffee (a 1:17 ratio), or ensure your water temperature isn’t to high (aim for 195°F-205°F).
How much coffee do I need for a 12 oz pour over?
For a 12 fluid ounce cup of brewed coffee, you’ll need about 22 grams of coffee beans and 350 grams of water. This follows the 1:16 ratio and accounts for water retained by the grounds. Always measure by weight for the best results.
Does the type of pour over brewer change the amount?
The basic ratio stays the same, but different brewers have slight optimizations. A Kalita Wave’s flat bed might work best with a slightly coarser grind than a V60’s cone. The amount of coffee itself is primarily determined by how much liquid you want to end up with, not the brewer shape.
Final Thoughts on Finding Your Perfect Amount
Mastering how much coffee for pour over is a simple skill that pays off every morning. Start with the 1:16 ratio and a digital scale. From there, let your taste buds guide you. Make small adjustments and take notes.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Coffee is a personal experience, and the “perfect” cup is the one you most enjoy drinking. The journey to finding it is part of the fun. With these guidelines, you’re well on your way to making exceptional pour over coffee at home, every day.