French Press Coffee Ratios: The Ultimate Guide

If you love coffee, you know that a French Press is one of the easiest ways to make a rich, flavorful cup. But to get the best taste, you need to use the right coffee-to-water ratio.

Also Read: French Press Coffee Ratios: The Ultimate Guide

This guide will help you understand French Press ratios, how they affect flavor, and the best brewing techniques. Whether you like your coffee strong, mild, or cold brew, we’ll show you how to perfect your cup.

What Is a French Press?

A French Press is a simple coffee maker that brews coffee by steeping ground coffee in hot water. After steeping, you press down a metal filter to separate the grounds from the liquid.

Why Does the Coffee-to-Water Ratio Matter?

The coffee-to-water ratio is how much coffee you use compared to water. This ratio affects:

Strength – More coffee makes it stronger, and less makes it milder.
Flavor – The balance between bitterness, sweetness, and acidity.
Texture – How smooth or heavy the coffee feels.

Using the wrong ratio can make your coffee too bitter or too weak.

French Press Ratios

Different coffee lovers prefer different strengths. Below are the most common French Press ratios.

1. The Gold Standard (1:15 Ratio)

The Gold Standard ratio is 1:15. This means for every 1 gram of coffee, you use 15 grams (or ml) of water.

Example measurements:

15g coffee → 225ml water (small cup)
30g coffee → 450ml water (medium cup)
60g coffee → 900ml water (large carafe)

This ratio creates a well-balanced flavor—not too strong or weak.

2. Strong Brew (1:12 Ratio)

Want a bolder, richer coffee? Try 1:12. This means more coffee and less water.

Example:

20g coffee → 240ml water

This results in a strong, espresso-like taste.

3. Mild Brew (1:17 Ratio)

If you prefer a lighter, smoother coffee, use 1:17.

Example:

15g coffee → 255ml water

This highlights the sweet and fruity flavors of the beans.

How Grind Size Affects Flavor

Grind size is just as important as the ratio. The best grind for French Press is medium-coarse, like sea salt.

Too fine → Over-extracted, bitter coffee
Too coarse → Weak, under-extracted coffee

A medium-coarse grind ensures a smooth, flavorful cup.

How Long Should You Brew?

Steeping time (how long the coffee sits in hot water) also affects taste:

4 minutes → Balanced flavor
3 minutes → Lighter, more acidic taste
5+ minutes → Stronger, more bitter taste

Tip: Always press the plunger down slowly to avoid bitterness.

Cold Brew French Press Ratios

You can also use a French Press to make cold-brew coffee!

1. Classic Cold Brew (1:8 Ratio)

This is the standard ratio for a smooth, balanced cold brew.

50g coffee → 400ml water
Steep for 12-24 hours in the fridge.

2. Strong Cold Brew (1:4 Ratio)

For a bold, intense cold brew, use 1:4.

50g coffee → 200ml water
Steep for 16-24 hours.
Dilute with ice or milk before drinking.

Common French Press Mistakes & Fixes

1. Coffee Is Too Bitter

✔ Use a coarser grind.
✔ Brew for less time (3-4 minutes).

2. Coffee Is Too Weak

✔ Add more coffee grounds.
✔ Brew for 5 minutes instead of 4.

3. Too Many Grounds in Your Cup

✔ Use a better French Press filter.
✔ Let the coffee settle for 30 seconds before pressing.

Water Temperature for French Press

The ideal water temperature for French Press is 195-200°F (90-93°C).

Too hot (above 205°F) → Over-extraction, bitter taste
Too cold (below 190°F) → Under-extraction, weak flavor

Tip: Use a digital thermometer for accuracy.

Best Coffee Beans for French Press

French Press works well with many coffee beans, but some are better.

1. Light Roast

Flavor: Fruity, floral, bright
Best Ratio: 1:17 (mild brew)

2. Medium Roast

Flavor: Balanced, slightly sweet
Best Ratio: 1:15 (gold standard)

3. Dark Roast

Flavor: Rich, bold, chocolatey
Best Ratio: 1:12 (strong brew)

Tip: Mix different roasts to create a custom flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best coffee-to-water ratio for French Press?

The best ratio is 1:15 (1 gram of coffee for every 15ml of water).

2. Can I use pre-ground coffee in a French Press?

Yes, but freshly ground beans give better flavor. Use a coarse grind.

3. How long should I steep my coffee?

Steep for 4 minutes for a balanced flavor.

4. Can I make cold brew in a French Press?

Yes! Use a 1:8 ratio and steep for 12-24 hours.

5. Why is my French Press coffee muddy?

Your grind size is too fine. Use a coarser grind.

Conclusion

Making French Press coffee is simple, but getting the ratio right is key. Whether you like strong, mild, or cold brew, the right coffee-to-water ratio will improve your coffee experience.