What is the best French press ratio?

1:15 is a balanced French press ratio. For a bolder cup go to 1:12, for a lighter one go to 1:16. French press tolerates a stronger ratio than drip because the metal filter lets more oils through.

How long should French press steep?

Four minutes is standard. Pour water, start a timer, break the crust and stir at four minutes, then press slowly. Decant immediately so it does not keep extracting and turn bitter.

What grind for French press?

Coarse, like sea salt. Too fine and it slips through the mesh, over-extracts, and leaves grit in your cup. A burr grinder makes this far easier to hit consistently.

French press

French Press Ratio Calculator

French press uses full immersion, so it pulls more body than a pour over. A ratio of 1:15 is a balanced starting point. Use a coarse grind and a four minute steep for the cleanest cup.

Water (grams)

~250 g water per cup

Ratio1:15.0

1:10.0 (stronger)1:17.0 (lighter)

66.7 g

coffee for 1000 g water at 1:15.0

Brew it better

The ratio is free. The taste comes from fresh beans and a consistent grind. Here is what we actually use.

Get fresh beans Shop grinders and scales

Gear we use

The ratio is only as good as the grind and the pour. Here is the gear that makes this brew repeatable.

French press Burr grinder Gooseneck kettle

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How to use it

01
Set your water
Enter the water for your press. A standard 8-cup press holds about 1000 grams.
02
Choose your ratio
Start at 1:15. Go to 1:12 for bold, 1:16 for lighter.
03
Grind coarse and steep
Weigh the coffee shown, grind coarse, steep four minutes, then press slowly and decant.

Frequently asked

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