For 8 oz (237 ml) of water, use about 16 g of coffee, roughly 3.2 level tablespoons of ground coffee. That is a 1:15 ratio, our default for french press.
16 gcoffee
3.2 tbsplevel, ground
237 mlwater
~6.9 ozin the cup
Stronger or milder
| Ratio | Coffee | Tablespoons | Taste |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:12 | 20 g | 3.9 tbsp | stronger |
| 1:14 | 17 g | 3.4 tbsp | stronger |
| 1:15 | 16 g | 3.2 tbsp | our default |
| 1:16 | 15 g | 3.0 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 8 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 8 oz of water?
About 16 g at a 1:15 ratio, between 15 g (milder) and 20 g (stronger).
How many tablespoons of coffee for 8 oz in a french press?
About 3.2 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.