Cold Brew Ratio
Calculate the perfect cold brew coffee concentrate ratio. Determine water and coffee grounds needed for smooth cold brew concentrate at home.
About This Calculator
The Cold Brew Ratio Calculator helps you determine the exact amount of water and coffee grounds needed to prepare the perfect batch of cold brew coffee concentrate. Whether you are making a single serving or a large batch for the week, this calculator takes the guesswork out of the process.
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in room temperature water for 12 to 24 hours. Unlike hot brewing methods that use a 1:17 coffee-to-water ratio, cold brew uses a much higher concentration of coffee typically between 1:5 and 1:5.6. This produces a smooth, concentrated beverage that can be diluted with water, milk, or cream before serving.
Our calculator uses the standard formula: water volume equals desired concentrate volume divided by 0.8, accounting for the approximate 20% of water absorbed by the coffee grounds during steeping. The coffee grounds mass is then calculated by dividing the water volume by your chosen ratio. The calculator also accounts for unit conversions between milliliters, cups, fluid ounces, and liters so you can work in whatever measurement system you prefer.
Regional Notes
United States: Cold brew is commonly measured in cups (8 fl oz). A standard US cup is 237 ml. Many American coffee shops serve cold brew concentrate diluted 1:1 with water or milk.
India: Cold brew has gained popularity in urban areas. Indian consumers often prefer metric measurements (ml) and may brew smaller batches. The strong 1:5 ratio works well for Indian cold brew served over ice with milk.
United Kingdom: UK home brewers often use digital scales and metric measurements. Cold brew concentrate can be diluted to taste, commonly at a 1:1 or 2:1 water-to-concentrate ratio for serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ratio for cold brew coffee?
The recommended ratio for cold brew coffee concentrate is 1:5 coffee to water by weight to volume. For every 1 gram of coffee grounds, use 5 milliliters of water. For a lighter brew use a 1:5.6 ratio, and for a stronger concentrate use a 1:5 ratio.
How much coffee do I need for 1 cup of cold brew concentrate?
For 1 cup (237 ml) of cold brew concentrate, you need approximately 1.25 cups (296 ml) of water and about 59 grams of coarse coffee grounds. The water accounts for the 20% absorption by coffee grounds during steeping.
How long should I steep cold brew coffee?
Cold brew coffee should steep at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. The ideal steeping time is 16 hours for the best balance of flavor extraction without over-extracting bitter compounds.
How much caffeine is in cold brew coffee?
A cup of cold brew concentrate made with a 1:5 ratio contains approximately 658 mg of caffeine, significantly more than the 140 mg in a regular cup of hot drip coffee. This is because cold brew uses a much higher coffee-to-water ratio.
Is cold brew less acidic than regular coffee?
Yes, cold brew coffee is about two times less acidic than hot drip coffee. Studies show cold brew has a pH of approximately 5.13 compared to 4.85 for hot coffee, resulting in a smoother, less bitter taste.
How long does cold brew concentrate last in the fridge?
Cold brew concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Keep it in an airtight container to preserve freshness. The concentrate can be diluted with water, milk, or cream before serving.
What grind size should I use for cold brew?
Use a coarse grind size for cold brew coffee, similar to breadcrumbs or kosher salt. Fine grinds can lead to over-extraction and a bitter taste during the long steeping process, while coarse grinds produce a smoother concentrate.