Using the right proportions for your filter coffee turns an ordinary cup of coffee into a memorable taste experience. Whether you’re making 4 cups for a family breakfast or 12 cups for a brunch with friends, understanding the optimum proportions will ensure a well-balanced coffee every time you use it.
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The universal ratio: the basis for filter coffee dosing
The coffee/water ratio recommended by professional baristas and the Specialty Coffee Association is between 1:15 and 1:18. This means:
- 1 gram of coffee for 15 to 18 grams of water
- 60 grams of coffee for 1 litre of water (ratio 1:17)
This ratio is the ideal balance, revealing the flavours without excessive bitterness or dullness.
Understanding ratios
- Ratio 1:15 → Full-bodied, intense coffee (60g coffee / 900ml water)
- Ratio 1:17 → Standard balanced coffee (60g coffee / 1L water)
- Ratio 1:18 → Smoother, lighter coffee (60g coffee / 1.08L water)
Filter coffee dosage by number of cups
General summary table
| Cups | Water volume | Coffee (grams) | Soup spoons | Teaspoons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 250-300ml | 15-18g | 1 à 1,5 | 2 à 3 |
| 4 | 500-600ml | 30-35g | 2 à 2,5 | 4 à 5 |
| 6 | 750-900ml | 45-52g | 3 à 4 | 6 à 8 |
| 8 | 1L-1.2L | 60-70g | 4 à 5 | 8 à 10 |
| 10 | 1.25L-1.5L | 70-85g | 5 à 6 | 10 à 12 |
| 12 | 1.5L-1.8L | 85-100g | 6 à 7 | 12 à 14 |
*Approximations: 1 heaped tablespoon = 8-10g / 1 level teaspoon = 5-7g
4-cup filter coffee dosage
For 4 standard cups (500-600ml of water) :
Recommended dosage: 30 to 35 grams of ground coffee
- Equivalent: 2 heaped tablespoons
- Ratio applied: approximately 1:17
Adjustments according to intensity
| Intensity | Ground coffee | Spoons | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 25-28g | 1,5 à 2 | Mild morning coffee |
| Standard | 30-35g | 2 domed | Balanced, versatile |
| Full-bodied | 38-42g | 2,5 à 3 | Intense, strong character |
6-cup filter coffee dosage
For 6 standard cups (750-900ml of water) :
Recommended dosage: 45 to 52 grams of ground coffee
- Equivalent: 3 to 3.5 heaped tablespoons
- Ratio applied: approximately 1:17
Family coffeemaker tip: For electric coffeemakers making up to 6 cups, add an extra half-spoon “for the coffeemaker” to compensate for the loss of aroma in the filter.
10-cup filter coffee strength
For 10 standard cups (1.25 to 1.5L of water) :
Recommended dosage: 70 to 85 grams of ground coffee
- Equivalent: 5 to 6 heaped tablespoons
- Ratio applied: approximately 1:17
Important: From 10 cups upwards, do not exceed the capacity of the filter. If your filter seems too full, reduce the dose slightly rather than compressing the coffee.
12-cup filter coffee dosage
For 12 standard cups (1.5 to 1.8L of water) :
Recommended dosage: 85 to 100 grams of ground coffee
- Equivalent to: 6 to 7 heaped tablespoons
- Ratio applied: approximately 1:17
Tip for large quantities: Use a kitchen scale for greater accuracy. Spoon approximations become less reliable above 10 cups.
Factors influencing dosage
Type of filter
Paper filter
- Absorbs some of the aromatic oils
- Adjustment: Add an extra 1 to 2 grams
- Result: Clearer, smoother coffee
Permanent filter (metal)
- Allows more oils to pass through
- Adjustment: Reduce dosage slightly
- Result: Fuller-bodied, richer coffee
Type of coffee
| Type | Recommended dosage | Special features |
|---|---|---|
| 100% arabica | Standard at +5 | Naturally milder, sometimes requires more coffee |
| Arabica/robusta | Standard at -5 | More powerful base, slightly reduced dosage |
| Light roast | +10% | Less extraction, more coffee needed |
| Dark roast | -10% | More intense extraction, less coffee needed |
If you’re looking for a non-bitter coffee bean, opt for Arabicas and adjust your dosage accordingly.
Milling: the determining factor
For a filter coffee maker, use a medium grind, similar to caster sugar.
- Grind too fine → Over-extraction → Bitter coffee
- Grind too coarse → Under-extraction → Watery coffee
- Optimum grinding → Balanced extraction → Enhanced flavours
If you don’t have a grinder, read our guide to grinding your coffee beans without one. The grind size differs depending on the method: find out which grind to use for the Aeropress or which type of coffee to choose for a piston coffee maker.
Water quality
Water makes up 98% of your coffee. Its quality has a direct influence on the optimum dosage:
- Filtered water or low mineral contentspring water: Follow the standard dosage
- Hard tap water: Increase slightly (+5-10%) to compensate.
- Ideal temperature: Between 90 and 96°C (never boiling)
Progressive optimisation method
To find your perfect dosage:
- Start with the base: use the 1:17 ratio (60g/L)
- Test and evaluate: Prepare a first cup
- Adjust gradually:
- Coffee too weak → Add 1/4 spoon
- Coffee too strong → Remove 1/4 spoon
- Note your optimum dosage to reproduce the result
- Remain consistent in your measurement method
Recommended equipment
For precision
Kitchen scales (0-1000g, 1g precision)
- Eliminates approximations
- Guarantees reproducibility
- Enables you to monitor the exact ratio
Measuring spoon (10 grams)
- Practical alternative without scales
- Always use the same spoon
- Always identically curved
For quality
Coffee grinder with medium grind setting
- Freshly ground coffee (ideal)
- Precise adjustment of particle size
Quality filter for your coffee maker
- Unbleached paper recommended
- Rinse the filter paper before use
Solutions to common problems
Coffee too bitter
Probable causes:
- Coffee overdose
- Grind too fine
- Water too hot
Solutions:
- Reduce the dosage by 1/4 spoonful
- Use a coarser grind
- Check water temperature (max 96°C)
Coffee too weak
Probable causes:
- Under-dosage of coffee
- Grind too coarse
- Coffee not fresh enough
Solutions:
- Increase the dosage by 1/4 spoonful
- Refine the grind slightly
- Use freshly roasted coffee
Irregular coffee
Probable causes:
- Approximate dosage variable
- Clogged or unsuitable filter
- Water of variable quality
Solutions:
- Use a constant measure (scale or measuring spoon)
- Clean your coffee maker regularly
- Always use filtered water
Summary table by intensity
For easy adaptation to your preferences :
Light coffee (ratio 1:18)
| Cups | Water | Café |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 500ml | 28g (1.5 CS) |
| 6 | 750ml | 42g (3 CS) |
| 10 | 1,25L | 70g (5 CS) |
| 12 | 1,5L | 83g (6 CS) |
Standard coffee (ratio 1:17)
| Cups | Water | Café |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 500ml | 30g (2 CS) |
| 6 | 750ml | 45g (3 CS) |
| 10 | 1,25L | 75g (5.5 CS) |
| 12 | 1,5L | 88g (6.5 CS) |
Strong coffee (ratio 1:15)
| Cups | Water | Café |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 500ml | 33g (2.5 CS) |
| 6 | 750ml | 50g (3.5 CS) |
| 10 | 1,25L | 83g (6 CS) |
| 12 | 1,5L | 100g (7 CS) |
*CS = rounded tablespoons
Barista tips
The central crater
Make a small crater in the centre of your ground coffee in the filter. This technique improves the flow of water and encourages even extraction.
Rinsing the filter
Always rinse your paper filter in hot water before use:
- Eliminates paper taste
- Preheats the coffee maker
- Improves extraction
The freshness rule
Freshly ground coffee (less than 2 weeks after roasting) sometimes requires a slightly reduced dosage because its aromas are more present and volatile.
Preservation and freshness
Poorly stored coffee affects the optimum dosage:
Best practice:
- Airtight container
- Protect from light and moisture
- Constant ambient temperature
- Use within 2 weeks of opening
Impact on dosage: A coffee that loses its aroma requires a more generous dosage to compensate for the reduced intensity.
Conclusion: mastering the filter coffee dosage
The perfect dose of filter coffee rests on three pillars:
- The coffee/water ratio (1:15 to 1:18) as a basis
- Adjustment to your preferences and equipment
- Consistency in measurementmethods
Whether you prepare 4, 6, 10 or 12 cups, these proportions guarantee a well-balanced coffee. The most important thing is to experiment to find the dosage that suits your tastes, then reproduce it precisely.
With a scale or a measuring spoon, quality water and freshly ground coffee, every cup becomes a successful taste experience.
