Coffee Brew Ratio & Yield Calculator
Dial in the perfect brew — Espresso, French Press, or American Drip.
What this means
Guidance text will appear here.
How the Coffee Brew Ratio Calculator Works
Brew yield is the total liquid weight that ends up in your cup after brewing, measured in grams rather than volume, because coffee's density makes weight far more accurate than reading a line on a glass. This calculator uses your coffee dose and target brew ratio to tell you exactly what yield to stop at for three brewing methods — Espresso, French Press, and American Drip — or, in reverse, tells you what ratio you actually brewed based on a measured yield.
The Core Formula
Yield in grams equals Dose in grams multiplied by the Brew Ratio, regardless of method. So an 18 gram espresso dose at a 1:2 ratio should yield 36 grams; a 30 gram French Press dose at a 1:15 ratio should yield 450 grams. Reverse it to find your ratio: divide Yield by Dose.
Espresso Ratios
| Style | Ratio | 18g Dose Yields |
|---|---|---|
| Ristretto | 1 : 1 – 1.5 | 18–27g |
| Normale | 1 : 2 | 36g |
| Lungo | 1 : 2.5 – 3 | 45–54g |
French Press Ratios
| Strength | Ratio | 30g Dose Yields |
|---|---|---|
| Strong | 1 : 12 – 13 | 360–390g |
| Balanced | 1 : 14 – 15 | 420–450g |
| Light | 1 : 16 – 17 | 480–510g |
American Drip Ratios
| Strength | Ratio | 22g Dose Yields |
|---|---|---|
| Strong | 1 : 15 – 16 | 330–352g |
| Balanced | 1 : 16.5 – 17.5 | 363–385g |
| Mild | 1 : 18+ | 396g+ |
What Is Extraction Yield (EY%)?
If you own a refractometer, you can measure your brew's TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) percentage. Extraction Yield tells you what percentage of the original coffee dose actually dissolved into your cup, calculated as (Yield × TDS%) ÷ Dose. Most specialty coffee guidelines consider 18–22% EY the "balanced" extraction zone — below that tastes sour and under-extracted, above that tastes bitter and over-extracted. This applies the same way across all three brewing methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good espresso brew ratio? A standard Normale shot is 1:2. Tighter ratios (1:1 to 1:1.5) give you a Ristretto — more concentrated and syrupy. Looser ratios (1:2.5 to 1:3) give you a Lungo — lighter and more diluted.
What is a good French Press ratio? Most guides recommend 1:12 to 1:17, with 1:15 as a common balanced starting point.
What is a good American drip ratio? The SCA Golden Cup Standard centers around 1:17, with a typical acceptable range of 1:15 to 1:18.
Do I need a refractometer to use this tool? No. Dose, ratio, and yield are all you need for the core calculation. TDS/EY% is an optional extra step for people with a refractometer.
