Pour Over Coffee Ratio: The Perfect Brew Guide

There are few coffee rituals more rewarding than brewing a cup using the pour over method. It’s a manual, meditative process that gives you full control over flavor and aroma. But the secret to mastering this art lies in understanding one thing: the pour over coffee ratio.

What Is the Ideal Pour Over Coffee Ratio?

The standard recommendation for a balanced cup is a 1:16 ratio, meaning 1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams (or milliliters) of water (SCAA, 2023).

Coffee (g)	Water (ml)	Yield (oz)
15g	240ml	8 oz
22g	350ml	12 oz
30g	480ml	16 oz

This ratio offers a well-balanced brew; smooth, not too bitter, and full of flavor. However, taste is personal. Some prefer stronger (1:14) or lighter (1:17–1:18) ratios.

"Dialing in your ratio is like adjusting the bass and treble on your favorite song, personal and powerful."

Grind Size Matters

For pour over, a medium-coarse grind is ideal, similar to sea salt. Too fine, and you’ll over-extract (bitter). Too coarse, and the water flows too fast, under-extracting (sour).

Water Temperature: Another Key Player

Heat your water between 195°F to 205°F (90–96°C). Water too cool won’t extract properly; too hot, and you'll burn the grounds (SCA, 2023).

Bloom First, Then Brew

Start with a bloom: pour 2x the coffee dose in water and let it sit for 30–45 seconds. This releases gas and preps the grounds for full extraction.

Example Bloom:

• 20g coffee → bloom with 40g water

Then continue pouring in a spiral motion until you reach your final water volume.

Best Pour Over Devices

• Hario V60 – Known for clarity and brightness
• Kalita Wave – Flat-bottom for even extraction
• Chemex – Great for serving multiple cups, visually elegant

Device	Filter Type	Flavor Profile	Best For
Hario V60	Cone (paper)	Bright, clean	Intermediate
Kalita Wave	Flat-bottom	Balanced, rich	Beginners
Chemex	Thick filter	Crisp, smooth	Multiple servings

How to Scale Up Your Recipe

Use a coffee scale for accuracy. A scoop can vary by roast and grind density.

Simple Ratio Formula:

Total water (g) ÷ 16 = coffee needed (g)

Example: 320ml water ÷ 16 = 20g coffee

Final Tips

• Use filtered water for the cleanest taste
• Pre-wet your filter to avoid papery flavor
• Pour slowly and evenly

Mastering the pour over coffee ratio will unlock new levels of flavor, complexity, and joy in your morning cup. Want to explore pour over-friendly roasts? Check out our bold Overclock Coffee Co. offerings.

References

Specialty Coffee Association. (2023). Brewing Fundamentals: Golden Cup Standard. https://sca.coffee/education/coffee-skills-program/brewing

Barista Institute. (2023). How to Brew the Perfect Pour Over Coffee. https://www.baristainstitute.com/blog/jori-korhonen/march-2020/how-brew-perfect-pour-over-coffee

Homegrounds. (2022). The Ultimate Pour Over Coffee Guide. https://www.homegrounds.co/pour-over-coffee/

Coffee Brewster. (2023). Coffee to Water Ratio Explained. https://coffeebrewster.com/coffee-to-water-ratio/