For 16 oz (473 ml) of water, use about 32 g of coffee, roughly 6.3 level tablespoons of ground coffee. That is a 1:15 ratio, our default for french press.
32 gcoffee
6.3 tbsplevel, ground
473 mlwater
~13.9 ozin the cup
Stronger or milder
| Ratio | Coffee | Tablespoons | Taste |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:12 | 39 g | 7.9 tbsp | stronger |
| 1:14 | 34 g | 6.8 tbsp | stronger |
| 1:15 | 32 g | 6.3 tbsp | our default |
| 1:16 | 30 g | 5.9 tbsp | milder |
Ratios are coffee to water by weight. A scale makes this easy and repeatable; tablespoons are approximate because grounds vary in density (about 5 g per level tablespoon).
How to brew it
- Grind: coarse.
- Water temperature: 195–205°F (90–96°C).
- Brew time: 4 minutes.
- Stir after pouring, put the lid on, wait 4 minutes, then press slowly and pour right away so it doesn't keep extracting.
Fixing the taste
| If it tastes… | Try this |
|---|---|
| Sour, thin, weak | Grind a little finer or brew longer; or use more coffee (lower ratio number). |
| Bitter, harsh, dry | Grind a little coarser or brew shorter; or use less coffee (higher ratio number). |
| Fine but flat | Use fresher beans, roasted within the last month, ground right before brewing. |
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Take a lookOther french press sizes
Other methods at 16 oz
French pressPour-over (V60)ChemexAeroPressDrip coffee makerClever DripperCold brew concentrateReady-to-drink cold brewIced pour-over (Japanese method)
Questions people ask
How many grams of coffee for 16 oz of water?
About 32 g at a 1:15 ratio, between 30 g (milder) and 39 g (stronger).
How many tablespoons of coffee for 16 oz in a french press?
About 6.3 level tablespoons of ground coffee.
What is the best french press ratio?
Start at 1:15 and adjust between 1:12 and 1:16 to taste.
Numbers on this page are estimates calculated from the assumptions shown. Coffees, beans and drinks vary; caffeine figures are typical values, not medical advice.