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French press ratio

Measure coffee grounds for a French press from the water volume and desired strength.

Built and maintained by The NumberPrism Editorial TeamEditorial policy

Your details

ml
Results update as you type. The formula and assumptions are explained below the calculator.

Coffee grounds

33.3 g

Brew ratio1 : 15
Approximate tablespoons6.1 tbsp
Water temperature94 °C (just off the boil)
Steep time4 min, then press slowly

Assumes a medium grind and a four-minute steep. Adjust the grind and time to taste: a finer grind extracts faster but can become muddy in a press. One tablespoon of ground coffee is about 5.5 g.

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What does this tool do?

French press coffee is full immersion, so the dose and grind control the strength. A medium strength uses about 1 part coffee to 15 parts water by weight; use a finer ratio for a bolder cup and a wider one for a lighter cup.

The Formula

Coffee (g) = water (ml) ÷ brew ratio; 1 tbsp ground coffee ≈ 5.5 g

Frequently Asked Questions

How fine should the grind be for a French press?

Use a coarse, sea-salt-like grind. Too fine and the mesh lets sediment through; too coarse and the coffee tastes weak even after a long steep.

Why does my French press taste bitter?

Over-extraction usually comes from too fine a grind, water that is too hot or steeping too long. Try a coarser grind or a shorter steep before changing the coffee dose.