Miles SinclairBy Miles Sinclair

Updated November 2026

Pour over coffee grams come down to one practical number: a ratio of roughly 1:15 to 1:17, meaning 15 to 17 grams of water for every gram of coffee. For a standard 12-ounce mug, that usually works out to about 20 to 22 grams of ground coffee. This guide shows you how to measure, adjust, and repeat that recipe so every cup tastes the same.

Start With a Ratio, Not a Scoop

Volume measurements like tablespoons vary widely depending on how finely your beans are ground and how much they settle. A scale removes that guesswork. Weigh your coffee in grams, then weigh your water in grams, and treat the two numbers as a fixed recipe you can scale up or down.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 7 Best Pour Over Coffee Dripper Models for Home Brewers (2026).

A good starting point is 1:16. Use 20 grams of coffee and 320 grams of water for a single mug, or 30 grams of coffee and 480 grams of water for a larger batch. If you want more body, move toward 1:15. For a lighter, brighter cup, try 1:17.

How Many Grams of Coffee for Pour Over at Each Cup Size

The table below gives common starting amounts. Each row uses a 1:16 ratio, so you can adjust by changing the coffee weight and keeping the ratio the same.

Serving Coffee (grams) Water (grams)
One 8-ounce cup 15 g 240 g
One 12-ounce mug 20 g 320 g
Two 12-ounce mugs 40 g 640 g

Step-by-Step: Measuring and Brewing by Weight

  1. Place your dripper on a server or mug and set it on a scale. Tare to zero.
  2. Add a paper filter, rinse it with hot water, and discard the rinse water. Tare again.
  3. Add your ground coffee, measuring to your target dose (for example, 20 g). Level the bed gently.
  4. Pour about 40 g of water to bloom the grounds. Wait 30 to 45 seconds.
  5. Pour the rest of your water in slow, steady circles until the scale reads your total target (for example, 320 g). Aim to finish in 2.5 to 3.5 minutes.

Brewing by weight also helps you spot problems. If your drawdown takes longer than four minutes, your grind may be too fine. If the cup tastes thin and the brew finishes quickly, the grind may be too coarse or the dose too low.

Adjusting Strength Without Changing the Recipe

Once you have a baseline, change one variable at a time. Adding grams of coffee makes the cup stronger and fuller. Adding grams of water dilutes it. Keeping the same ratio but grinding slightly finer usually increases extraction and sweetness, while grinding coarser lightens the body. Note your changes so you can repeat what you like.

Water temperature also shapes the result. Many brewers aim for a range around 200 to 205°F. If you want a deeper look at temperature, see Water Temperature for Pour Over Coffee: 200–205°F for Balanced Flavor and Pour Over Coffee Water Temp: The Right Range and How to Dial It In.

Common Mistakes

  • Measuring by volume instead of weight, which makes results inconsistent from day to day.
  • Using too little coffee and then compensating with a finer grind, which can lead to bitterness.
  • Skipping the rinse, which can leave a papery taste in the cup.
  • Pouring too fast, causing uneven extraction and a flat or sour cup.
  • Changing the ratio, grind, and temperature all at once, so you can’t tell what caused a change.

A scale with a timer is the single most useful tool for this method, since it lets you track both grams and brew time. Look for a model labeled as a coffee scale rather than a kitchen scale. View on Amazon

A gooseneck kettle gives you control over pour rate, which directly affects how evenly the grounds extract. View on Amazon

A burr grinder produces a more consistent grind than a blade grinder, which matters when you adjust fineness to change strength. View on Amazon

FAQ

How many grams of coffee for pour over for one mug?

For a 12-ounce mug, start with about 20 grams of coffee and 320 grams of water. That follows a 1:16 ratio, which is a reliable starting point before you adjust to your taste.

Is 15 grams of coffee enough for pour over?

Fifteen grams is a good dose for one 8-ounce cup, paired with about 240 grams of water. For a larger mug, you will want to increase the dose to keep the flavor balanced.

Should I measure coffee by weight or by volume?

Weight is more accurate and repeatable. Grams account for differences in grind size and bean density, so you get the same result each time you brew.

Conclusion

Pour over coffee grams are easiest to manage when you think in ratios. Start at 1:16, weigh everything, and make one adjustment at a time until the cup matches your taste. Once you find your recipe, write it down and brew it the same way each morning.

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Miles Sinclair

About Miles Sinclair

Miles Sinclair is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our coffee beans & brewing methods guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.