Cold brew coffee has taken the world by storm with its smooth flavor, lower acidity, and refreshing character. But making the perfect cold brew starts with the right coffee-to-water ratio. Whether you’re a barista, coffee enthusiast, or just someone who wants to make a better brew at home, the Cold Brew Ratio Calculator is your secret tool to getting it just right.
No more guessing or imbalanced brews! This easy-to-use calculator allows you to input the amount of coffee and water you’re using and instantly see the brew ratio. Understanding this ratio is key to getting the boldness, strength, and flavor you desire.
In this guide, you’ll learn what cold brew ratios are, how to use this calculator, the simple formula behind it, practical brewing tips, and answers to the most common cold brew questions.
What Is a Cold Brew Ratio?
A cold brew ratio represents the amount of coffee grounds to water used in the brewing process. It’s typically expressed as grams of coffee per liter of water (g:ml or g:L).
For example, a 1:8 ratio means 1 gram of coffee for every 8 milliliters of water. This affects how concentrated your brew is:
- Higher ratios (e.g., 1:5) make stronger, more concentrated brews.
- Lower ratios (e.g., 1:15) result in lighter, more diluted cold brews.
Using a calculator ensures you’re consistent and precise every time you brew.
How to Use the Cold Brew Ratio Calculator
This tool is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these steps:
- Measure your coffee in grams. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
- Measure your water in milliliters. You can use a measuring cup or scale.
- Enter the values in the calculator:
- Input the number of grams of coffee used.
- Input the number of milliliters of water.
- Click “Calculate Ratio.”
- The cold brew ratio will appear in the format of grams to milliliters (e.g., 1:10).
This helps you visualize how strong or weak your cold brew will be, so you can tweak it to your taste preferences.
Cold Brew Ratio Formula (In Simple Terms)
The calculator uses a basic ratio formula:
Ratio = Coffee (grams) ÷ (Water in milliliters ÷ 1000)
This equation converts the water into liters before calculating how many grams of coffee are used per liter of water.
Example:
Let’s say you use 100 grams of coffee and 1000 milliliters (1 liter) of water:
Ratio = 100 ÷ (1000 ÷ 1000)
Ratio = 100 ÷ 1 = 100g:1L, or simply 1:10
This means you’re using 1 gram of coffee for every 10 milliliters of water — a common cold brew ratio.
Cold Brew Ratio Examples
1. Strong Cold Brew
- Coffee: 120g
- Water: 600ml
Ratio = 120 ÷ (600 ÷ 1000) = 200g:1L, or 1:5 - This results in a bold and concentrated cold brew.
2. Balanced Cold Brew
- Coffee: 80g
- Water: 1000ml
Ratio = 80 ÷ 1 = 80g:1L, or 1:12.5 - A good middle-ground flavor.
3. Light Cold Brew
- Coffee: 50g
- Water: 1000ml
Ratio = 50 ÷ 1 = 50g:1L, or 1:20 - More mellow and smooth.
Why Cold Brew Ratio Matters
Brewing without paying attention to ratios can lead to overly bitter or weak coffee. Here’s why the ratio matters:
- Flavor Balance – Prevents over-extraction or under-extraction.
- Custom Strength – Tailor your brew to be lighter or stronger.
- Batch Control – Repeat the same results every time.
- Professional Results – Make café-quality cold brew at home.
Tips for Better Cold Brew
- Use coarse ground coffee for slower extraction and clarity.
- Steep for 12–24 hours in a fridge or at room temperature.
- Use filtered water for a cleaner flavor.
- Dilute after brewing if using a strong concentrate (e.g., 1:5).
- Store in airtight containers and refrigerate up to 10 days.
Common Cold Brew Ratios
| Style | Ratio | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Concentrate | 1:4 to 1:6 | Strong, needs dilution |
| Balanced Brew | 1:8 to 1:12 | Ready-to-drink, smooth flavor |
| Light Brew | 1:15 to 1:20 | Milder, tea-like coffee |
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best cold brew ratio?
A common starting point is 1:8 to 1:10, but it depends on your taste.
2. How do I make a cold brew concentrate?
Use a higher ratio like 1:4 or 1:5. You can dilute it later with water or milk.
3. Is cold brew stronger than hot coffee?
Yes, especially if brewed as a concentrate. It’s often more caffeinated.
4. How long should I steep cold brew?
Between 12 to 24 hours depending on your ratio and desired strength.
5. Can I reuse coffee grounds?
It’s not recommended. The second brew is significantly weaker.
6. How should I store cold brew?
In a sealed jar or bottle in the fridge. It lasts up to 10 days.
7. Can I make cold brew with any coffee?
Yes, but medium to dark roasts are preferred for richer flavor.
8. Should I brew at room temperature or cold?
Either works. Room temperature speeds up extraction; cold slows it down.
9. How do I dilute a concentrate?
Mix one part concentrate with one or two parts water or milk.
10. What grind size is best for cold brew?
Coarse grind is ideal to avoid over-extraction and bitterness.
11. Can I heat cold brew?
Yes, heat it on the stove or microwave if you prefer it warm.
12. Is cold brew less acidic than hot coffee?
Yes, it tends to be up to 60% less acidic, making it gentler on the stomach.
13. What if my brew is too strong?
Dilute it with more water or ice to taste.
14. What if my brew is too weak?
Use a higher coffee-to-water ratio next time, like 1:6 or 1:8.
15. Can I use flavored coffee beans?
Yes, flavored beans can enhance your cold brew profile.
16. How can I make cold brew faster?
Grind finer and brew at room temperature, but this may affect flavor.
17. Is cold brew healthier?
It can be. Lower acidity and smoother flavor often mean less need for sugar.
18. Can I use instant coffee for cold brew?
No, cold brew requires actual coffee grounds and steeping.
19. Can I use a French press?
Yes, it’s a great tool to steep and strain cold brew.
20. Do I need special water for cold brew?
Not necessarily, but filtered water improves taste and clarity.
Conclusion: Brew Better with the Right Ratio
With the Cold Brew Ratio Calculator, you’re one step closer to brewing cold coffee like a pro. The key to flavor consistency lies in the precision of your coffee-to-water ratio, and this calculator makes it effortless.
No more guesswork. Whether you’re making a strong concentrate or a mellow sipper, simply enter your coffee and water values, click “Calculate Ratio,” and get the exact brewing ratio you need.