Ratio And Strength

A 1:15 ratio means 1 part coffee to 15 parts water. For 20 grams of coffee, that is 300 grams of water.

A 1:16 ratio with 15 grams of coffee uses 240 grams of water. A 1:12 ratio with 15 grams uses 180 grams of water.

Strength is concentration: how much dissolved coffee is in the drink. Extraction is how much material you pulled out of the grounds.

A cup can be strong and sour if it is concentrated but under-extracted. A cup can be weak and bitter if it uses lots of water and extracts too much.

Tighter ratios like 1:12 to 1:14 taste heavier and more intense. They can work well for AeroPress, dark roasts, or milk drinks.

Longer ratios like 1:16 to 1:17 taste lighter, clearer, and more tea-like. They can work well for delicate pour-overs.

For pour-over, start around 1:15 to 1:16. For AeroPress, start around 1:12 to 1:15 depending on whether you dilute after brewing. For French press, 1:14 to 1:16 is a useful range.

Once you like the balance, adjust ratio for body and intensity. Use grind and brew time for extraction problems.