If you’ve ever wondered how much coffee in a French press you should use, you’re not alone. It’s the most common question for getting this classic brewer right. Using the correct coffee-to-water ratio is the difference between a mediocre cup and a fantastic one. This guide will give you the simple measurements and techniques you need.
We’ll cover everything from standard sizes to pro tips. You’ll learn how to adjust for your personal taste. Let’s get started with the basics.
How Much Coffee In A French Press
This is the core of great French press coffee. The general standard is a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio. That means for every 1 gram of coffee, you use 15 grams of water. This is a great starting point for most people.
But what does that look like in practical terms? Most of us use tablespoons and cups, not a scale. Here’s a quick conversion to get you brewing right away.
French Press Coffee Measurements by Cup
These measurements assume a medium-coarse grind. Using a finer grind will make your coffee too strong and muddy.
- For a 1-cup (8 oz) press: Use 2 tablespoons (about 14 grams) of coffee with 8 ounces of water.
- For a 3-cup (17 oz) press: Use 4 tablespoons (about 28 grams) of coffee with 17 ounces of water.
- For a 4-cup (34 oz) press: Use 8 tablespoons (about 56 grams) of coffee with 34 ounces of water.
- For an 8-cup (68 oz) press: Use 16 tablespoons (about 112 grams) of coffee with 68 ounces of water.
Remember, these are starting points. If you like a stronger cup, you can use a little more coffee. For a lighter cup, use a bit less. The key is consistency once you find your sweet spot.
Why the Grind Size Matters So Much
Getting the amount right is only half the battle. The grind size is equally important. French press coffee requires a coarse, even grind. Think of it like breadcrumbs or coarse sea salt.
If your grind is too fine, it will slip through the mesh filter. This results in a gritty, over-extracted cup. It can also make the plunger very hard to push down. Too coarse, and your coffee will taste weak and underwhelming. The water won’t extract enough flavor from the big grounds.
Investing in a burr grinder is the best way to get a consistent coarse grind. Blade grinders create uneven particles, which leads to uneven flavor.
Step-by-Step: The Perfect French Press Method
- Boil fresh, cold water. Let it sit for 30 seconds off the boil to reach about 200°F (93°C).
- Add your coarse ground coffee to the dry, clean French press.
- Pour a small amount of water—just enough to saturate all the grounds. Give it a quick stir. This is called the “bloom” and lets gases escape.
- After 30 seconds, slowly pour in the rest of your measured water.
- Place the lid on top with the plunger pulled all the way up. Let it steep for 4 minutes.
- Press the plunger down slowly and steadily. If you feel strong resistance, your grind is too fine.
- Pour all the coffee out into your cups immediately. Don’t let it sit in the press, or it will keep brewing and become bitter.
Adjusting Strength to Your Taste
The standard ratio makes a well-balanced cup. But maybe you want something different. Here’s how to tweak it.
- For Stronger Coffee: Use a 1:14 or even 1:13 ratio. For example, for 8 ounces of water, use 2.5 tablespoons of coffee. You can also extend the steep time to 4.5 or 5 minutes.
- For Weaker Coffee: Use a 1:16 or 1:17 ratio. For 8 ounces of water, use about 1.5 tablespoons. You can also shorten the steep time to 3 or 3.5 minutes.
Change only one variable at a time. Adjust the amount of coffee first. If that doesn’t work, then try changing the steep time. This way, you know exactly what affected the flavor.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even with the right amount, small errors can ruin your brew. Watch out for these.
- Using Pre-Ground Coffee: It’s usually ground for drip machines, which is too fine. This makes bitter, sludgy coffee. Always grind fresh, right before brewing.
- Letting Coffee Sit in the Press: After plunging, the grounds are still in the water. They will over-extract. Always decant your coffee into a carafe or your mug right away.
- Water Temperature is Wrong: Boiling water scorches coffee, making it taste burnt. Water that’s too cool won’t extract properly. That 30-second wait is crucial.
- Not Cleaning Thoroughly: Old oils and grounds get stuck in the mesh. This makes future cups taste rancid. Take the filter apart and clean it with soap and water regularly.
Choosing the Right French Press Size
How much coffee you make often depends on the size of your press. They come in various capacities, but it’s not always about how many cups you can make, but how many you should.
A 3-cup press is perfect for one or two people. An 8-cup press is great for a family or having friends over. You can make less coffee in a big press, but it’s harder to use the correct coffee amount for a small batch. The grounds need enough water depth to steep correctly.
As a rule, try not to brew less than half the press’s capacity. If you have an 8-cup press, don’t routinely make just 2 cups in it. You’ll get better results using a smaller press.
Measuring by Weight vs. Volume
Using tablespoons is convenient, but it’s not precise. A tablespoon of a dark roast bean weighs less than a tablespoon of a light roast bean because it’s less dense. For absolute consistency, use a small kitchen scale.
Weighing your coffee and water guarantees the same ratio every single time. It removes all the guesswork. If you’re serious about your coffee, a $20 scale is one of the best investments you can make. It takes the mystery out of the process.
FAQ Section
How many scoops of coffee for a French press?
A standard coffee scoop holds about 2 tablespoons. For a 4-cup (34 oz) French press, you would use 4 scoops (8 tablespoons) of coffee. Remember to use a coarse grind.
What is the best coffee to water ratio for French press?
The best starting ratio is 1:15 (coffee to water). This means 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water. You can adjust from their to make it stronger or weaker based on your preference.
Can I use regular ground coffee in a French press?
It’s not recommended. Regular store-bought ground coffee is typically a medium grind for drip machines. This will result in a bitter taste and sediment in your cup. For the best results, always buy whole beans and grind them coarse just before brewing.
How long should French press coffee steep?
Four minutes is the ideal steep time for most coffees. Set a timer! Steeping for less time makes weaker coffee, and steeping for longer makes it bitter. After plunging, pour the coffee out immediately to stop the brewing.
Beyond the Basics: Water Quality and Bean Choice
Your coffee is 98% water. If your tap water tastes bad or is very hard, it will make your coffee taste bad too. Using filtered water can make a huge improvement in clarity and flavor. It’s a simple upgrade with dramatic results.
Freshness matters immensely with beans. Coffee is best used within 2-4 weeks of its roast date. Look for a “roasted on” date, not a “best by” date. Store your beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Don’t keep them in the fridge or freezer, as moisture and odors are a problem.
Experimenting with Different Coffees
The French press is excellent for highlighting the natural oils and full body of coffee. It works wonderfully with medium to dark roasts, especially those with chocolatey or nutty notes. But don’t be afraid to try a light roast! You might find you love the bright, fruity flavors it brings out.
Just remember, lighter roasts are denser. If you’re measuring by volume (tablespoons), you might need a tiny bit more by weight to get the same strength. This is another reason a scale helps.
Mastering your French press is a rewarding skill. It starts with knowing how much coffee in a French press to use, but it continues with attention to grind, time, and temperature. With these guidelines, you can make a reliably excellent cup every morning. The process is simple, but the details make all the difference. Start with the standard ratio, then don’t hesitate to tweak it until it’s perfect for you. Your ideal cup is out their waiting to be brewed.