Cold Brew Coffee Ratio Calculator
Calculate the perfect coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew concentrate or ready-to-drink cold brew.
Get amounts in grams, ounces, and milliliters.
What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period — typically 12–24 hours. The result is smoother, less acidic, and more highly caffeinated than hot-brewed coffee.
Brew Ratios Explained
The ratio is coffee : water by volume (before steeping).
| Ratio | Type | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1:4 | Strong concentrate | Dilute 1:1 before drinking |
| 1:5 | Standard concentrate | Dilute 1:1 or 1:2 |
| 1:8 | Ready-to-drink | Drink straight or over ice |
Coffee Weight vs. Volume
Ground coffee is much lighter than water. A practical approximation: 1 gram of ground coffee ≈ 2 ml by volume. For precise brewing, always weigh your coffee.
Steep Time
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge (4°C) | 16–24 hours | Slower extraction, cleaner cup |
| Room temp (20°C) | 1–4 hours | Faster, watch for over-extraction |
| Overnight standard | 12–18 hours | Most popular |
Grind Size
Use a coarse grind (similar to French press). Fine grinds over-extract and make the brew bitter. They also clog filters and make straining difficult.
Serving Concentrate
Concentrate is typically diluted 1:1 with:
- Cold water (lightest, preserves flavor)
- Milk or cream (richer, smoother)
- Oat milk or almond milk (popular dairy-free option)
Cold brew keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container.
How we build and check this calculator
This calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
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