Enter your brew size, strength preference, and roast level into the French Press Calculator to get the exact coffee grounds (grams) and water amount you need. Also get the recommended water temperature, grind size, and brew time for a perfect cup every time.
Coffee Grounds Needed
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Water Volume
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Water Volume (oz)
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Water Temperature
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Brew Time
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Brew Ratio
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The most widely recommended French press ratio is 1:15 to 1:16 — meaning 1 gram of coffee for every 15–16 grams (ml) of water. For a standard 2-cup brew (about 474 ml), that's roughly 30 grams of ground coffee. Adjust to taste: go lower (1:13) for bolder cups or higher (1:18) for milder brews.
French press works best with a coarse grind — similar to coarse sea salt. A coarse grind prevents grounds from slipping through the metal mesh filter and reduces bitterness from over-extraction. Avoid medium or fine grinds, which can make the coffee muddy and overly bitter.
The ideal water temperature depends on your roast. Use 199–205°F (93–96°C) for light roasts, 194–200°F (90–93°C) for medium roasts, and 188–194°F (87–90°C) for dark roasts. If you don't have a thermometer, bring water to a boil and let it sit for 30–60 seconds before pouring.
A standard French press steep time is 4 minutes for a balanced cup. Brew for 3 minutes for a milder result, or up to 5 minutes if you prefer a stronger, more robust flavor. Steeping too long can lead to over-extraction and bitterness, so use a timer.
For each 8 oz (237 ml) cup, you'll typically need 13–18 grams of coffee depending on your strength preference. A 2-cup brew at average strength (1:16) requires about 30 grams. Use the calculator above to get the exact gram measurement for your brew size and strength.
Yes — roast level affects the ideal water temperature and, to some degree, extraction speed. Lighter roasts need hotter water and slightly longer contact time to fully extract their complex flavors. Darker roasts extract more easily and can taste bitter if brewed too hot or too long.
No — different brewing methods have different optimal ratios. French press typically uses 1:15 to 1:16, pour-over (V60) uses 1:15 to 1:17, Chemex uses around 1:15, and AeroPress often uses a stronger 1:10 to 1:13. The grind size, brew time, and filter type all influence what ratio works best.
Bitterness usually comes from over-extraction — brewing too long, using too fine a grind, or water that's too hot. Weak or sour coffee typically signals under-extraction — too short a brew time, too coarse a grind, or water that's not hot enough. Adjust one variable at a time using the recommended settings in this calculator.