Cold Brew Ratio Calculator

Category: Tea and Coffee
- May 14, 2025
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Calculate the perfect coffee-to-water ratio for your cold brew. Cold brew typically uses a higher coffee-to-water ratio than hot brewing methods, resulting in a smooth, concentrated coffee that can be diluted before drinking.

Calculation Type

Cold Brew Strength

Brewing Parameters

Dilution (Optional)

Display Options

About Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold or room temperature water for an extended period (typically 12-24 hours). This method extracts different compounds from coffee than hot brewing, producing a smoother, less acidic coffee with unique flavor characteristics.

Cold Brew Ratios Explained

Cold brew typically uses a higher coffee-to-water ratio than hot brewing methods:

  • 1:4 ratio - Concentrate (needs to be diluted before drinking)
  • 1:5 ratio - Strong brew (may be diluted slightly)
  • 1:7 ratio - Medium strength (standard cold brew)
  • 1:8 ratio - Mild brew (ready to drink)
Grind Size & Brewing Time

For cold brew, coarser grinds are generally preferred:

  • Coarse grind - The most common for cold brew, reduces sediment and bitterness
  • Medium-coarse grind - Increases extraction but may result in more sediment
  • Brewing time - Longer brewing (16-24 hours) extracts more flavor but can increase bitterness
Storage & Shelf Life

Cold brew concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The prepared (diluted) cold brew is best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal flavor.

What Is the Cold Brew Ratio Calculator?

The Cold Brew Ratio Calculator helps you determine the ideal coffee-to-water ratio based on your desired brew strength and input amount. Whether you're preparing a mild, ready-to-drink cold brew or a strong concentrate, this tool calculates exactly how much coffee or water you need. It also accounts for grind size, brewing method, dilution, and serving size.

This calculator is especially useful for home brewers, baristas, or anyone who wants consistent, flavorful cold brew coffee without guesswork. It supports multiple units (grams, ounces, cups, milliliters, liters) and offers preset strength options or custom ratios.

Formula Used for Calculation

To calculate Water:
Water (ml) = Coffee (g) × Ratio

To calculate Coffee:
Coffee (g) = Water (ml) ÷ Ratio

Diluted Volume:
Final Volume (ml) = Brew Yield + (Brew Yield × Dilution Ratio)

Per Serving:
Per Serving (ml) = Final Volume ÷ Number of Servings

How to Use the Calculator

Follow these steps to use the Cold Brew Ratio Calculator effectively:

  • Select whether you want to calculate based on coffee amount or water amount.
  • Choose a cold brew strength: Mild (1:8), Medium (1:7), Strong (1:5), Concentrate (1:4), or set a custom ratio.
  • Enter your coffee or water amount and choose the unit (e.g., grams, ml, cups).
  • Adjust brewing preferences such as grind size, brew time, and method (immersion, slow drip, cold brew maker).
  • Specify number of servings and whether you plan to dilute the concentrate.
  • If dilution is enabled, select or enter a dilution ratio (e.g., 1:1 means equal parts cold brew and water).
  • Click “Calculate” to view your results, including amounts, yield, final volume, and serving size.

Key Features

  • Flexible Input: Choose to calculate by coffee or water volume.
  • Preset and Custom Ratios: Use standard ratios or fine-tune your own.
  • Dilution Support: Account for how you plan to drink or serve your cold brew.
  • Visual Output: See a graphical breakdown of your brew process and final drink.
  • Brew Guide and Notes: Get tips based on your selected method, strength, and more.

Benefits of Using This Tool

This calculator removes the uncertainty from cold brew preparation by giving you:

  • Precise measurements that improve consistency across batches.
  • Insights into how different ratios affect taste, caffeine concentration, and yield.
  • Guidance based on brewing method and steep time to help avoid bitterness or under-extraction.
  • Time-saving calculations with customizable inputs for any brew setup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does a 1:7 ratio mean?

A 1:7 coffee-to-water ratio means 1 part coffee to 7 parts water by weight. For example, 100g of coffee would require 700ml of water.

Should I use coarse or fine ground coffee for cold brew?

Coarse grind is best for cold brew. It reduces bitterness and is easier to filter. Fine grounds may over-extract and cause sediment.

How long should I steep my cold brew?

The ideal steep time ranges from 12 to 24 hours. A longer brew extracts more flavor but can increase bitterness with dark roasts.

What is cold brew concentrate?

Cold brew concentrate is a strong version of cold brew made with less water (e.g., 1:4 ratio). It is usually diluted before serving.

How much cold brew should I serve per person?

Typical serving size ranges from 250ml to 350ml. The calculator will break down your total volume by the number of servings you specify.

Can I store cold brew in the fridge?

Yes. Cold brew concentrate stays fresh up to 2 weeks. Once diluted, it’s best consumed within 3–4 days.

Why Brew Ratio Matters

Using the right ratio impacts the flavor, caffeine content, and yield of your cold brew. Stronger ratios (like 1:4) make a concentrated brew that’s intense and needs dilution, while lighter ratios (like 1:8) are ready to drink. This calculator helps you find the ideal balance based on your taste and preparation style.