Cold Brew Ratio Calculator
Calculate the perfect coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew concentrate. Our calculator helps you determine exactly how much coffee and water you need based on your desired concentrate volume and strength preference. Get precise measurements for smooth, flavorful cold brew every time.
Last updated: January 26, 2026
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Leave empty to use average caffeine content (2787 mg/L for 1:5 ratio)
Coffee to Water Ratio
1:5.0
1 gram of coffee per 5.0 milliliters of water
💧 Water Needed
295.7 ml
(1.249852063502798 US cups, 0.29569999999999996 liters)
Note: Final volume will be ~80% of this due to coffee absorption
☕ Coffee Grounds Needed
59.1 g
(Approximately 147.9 ml by volume)
💡 We recommend using weight (grams) over volume, as volume depends on grind size
⚡ Estimated Caffeine Content
659 mg
Total caffeine in your cold brew concentrate
⏰ Brewing Instructions
- Mix 59.1g of coarse ground coffee with 295.7ml of room temperature water
- Steep for 12-24 hours (ideally 16 hours) at room temperature
- Strain through a fine mesh or coffee filter
- Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- Dilute with water, milk, or cream before serving
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is a method of preparing coffee using room temperature water instead of hot water, requiring an extended steeping time of 12 to 24 hours (ideally 16 hours). Unlike iced coffee, which is hot coffee that's been cooled, cold brew is never heated, resulting in a distinctly different flavor profile.
Key Characteristics of Cold Brew
- Preparation: Room temperature water, 12-24 hour steeping time
- Ratio: 1:5 coffee-to-water ratio (much stronger than hot coffee's 1:17)
- Taste: Smoother, less acidic, and less bitter than hot coffee
- Caffeine: Higher caffeine content due to concentrated preparation
- Shelf life: Can last up to 2 weeks when refrigerated
- Versatility: Can be diluted with water, milk, or cream before serving
The cold extraction process extracts different compounds from coffee beans compared to hot brewing, resulting in a smoother, naturally sweeter flavor with lower acidity. This makes cold brew particularly appealing to those who find hot coffee too bitter or acidic.
What is the Best Ratio for Cold Brew Coffee?
The recommended ratio for cold brew is 1:5 (1 gram of coffee to 5 milliliters of water). This is a mass-to-volume relationship, meaning for every gram of coffee grounds, you need 5 milliliters of water.
Uses less coffee per volume of water, resulting in a milder concentrate. Good for those who prefer lighter coffee or plan to drink it straight without much dilution.
A balanced ratio that provides good flavor extraction without being too strong. Versatile for various serving preferences.
The most popular ratio, creating a strong concentrate perfect for diluting. This is the standard ratio used by most cold brew enthusiasts and coffee shops.
Important note: When preparing cold brew, the final volume of concentrate will be approximately 20% lower than the initial volume of water. This is because coffee grounds absorb water during steeping. Our calculator accounts for this absorption, so you get the exact amount of concentrate you want.
How to Use the Cold Brew Ratio Calculator
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Enter desired concentrate volume - Input how much cold brew concentrate you want to make (e.g., 1 cup, 500ml, 1 liter)
- Select volume unit - Choose from ml, liters, cups, fluid ounces, gallons, tablespoons, or teaspoons
- Choose strength - Select Weak (1:5.6), Regular (1:5.3), Strong (1:5), or enter a custom ratio
- Optional: Enter caffeine content - If you know the caffeine content of your coffee, enter it for more accurate calculations
- Get results - The calculator shows exact amounts of water and coffee needed, plus estimated caffeine content
Example Calculation
Scenario: You want to make 1 cup of cold brew concentrate using the strong (1:5) ratio
- Desired concentrate: 1 US cup (236.6 ml)
- Required water: 236.6 ml ÷ 0.8 = 296 ml (accounting for 20% absorption)
- Required coffee: 296 ml ÷ 5 = 59.2 grams
- Result: Mix 59g coffee with 296ml water, steep 16 hours, strain to get 1 cup concentrate
Cold Brew vs. Hot Coffee
| Cold Brew Coffee | Hot Drip Coffee | |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 12-24 hours (ideally 16 hours) | 10 minutes or less |
| Coffee-to-Water Ratio | 1:5 (strong concentrate) | 1:17 (regular strength) |
| Caffeine Content (per cup) | ~658 mg (concentrate, 1:5 ratio) | ~95-140 mg |
| Acidity Level (pH) | pH 5.13 (less acidic) | pH 4.85 (more acidic) |
| Perceived Taste | Smoother, less acidic, naturally sweeter | More bitter, more acidic |
| Shelf Life | Up to 2 weeks refrigerated | Best consumed immediately |
| Water Temperature | Room temperature | Hot (195-205°F / 91-96°C) |
Key Difference: Cold brew and hot coffee are fundamentally different beverages, not just temperature variations. The cold extraction process extracts different compounds, resulting in distinct flavor profiles, caffeine levels, and acidity. Simply cooling hot coffee does not create cold brew.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
Use our calculator to determine exact amounts. For a 1:5 ratio, you'll need 1 gram of coffee per 5 milliliters of water. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy, as volume measurements vary with grind size. Use coarse ground coffee (similar to French press grind) for best results.
In a large jar or pitcher, combine the measured coffee grounds with room temperature water. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated. Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature. Do not use hot water - the cold extraction process is what creates cold brew's unique flavor.
Let the mixture steep at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours, with 16 hours being ideal. Steeping for less time results in weak coffee, while longer steeping can cause over-extraction and bitterness. You can taste test after 12 hours to find your preferred steeping time.
After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or coffee filter. You may need to strain twice to remove all sediment. The resulting liquid is your cold brew concentrate. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cold brew concentrate is strong and should be diluted before drinking. Common dilutions: 1:1 (equal parts concentrate and water/milk), 1:2 (one part concentrate to two parts liquid), or to taste. Serve over ice, with milk, cream, or flavored syrups as desired. The concentrate can also be heated if you prefer warm coffee.
Cold Brew Caffeine Content & Health Benefits
Caffeine Content
On average, cold brew concentrate contains approximately 2,787 mg of caffeine per literwhen prepared with a 1:5 ratio. This means:
- 1 cup (236.6 ml) of concentrate: ~658 mg caffeine
- 1 liter of concentrate: ~2,787 mg caffeine
- 8 oz serving (diluted 1:1): ~329 mg caffeine
Note: Actual caffeine content varies based on coffee bean type, roast level, and grind size. Our calculator provides estimates based on average values.
Cold brew has a pH of 5.13 compared to hot coffee's 4.85, making it roughly twice less acidic. This makes it easier on the stomach and teeth, and may be better for those with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs.
The cold extraction process extracts fewer bitter compounds and acids, resulting in a naturally sweeter, smoother flavor profile. Many people find cold brew more palatable without added sugar.
Cold brew concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, making it perfect for batch preparation. This convenience allows you to have ready-to-drink coffee throughout the week.
Cold brew concentrate can be served hot or cold, diluted with water, milk, or cream, and customized with various flavors. Its concentrated nature makes it perfect for creating a variety of coffee drinks.
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