One morning, I stood in my kitchen, wondering How Many Grams Of Coffee For French Press would give me that perfect, rich cup. I had tried guessing before—sometimes it was weak, other times too strong, and always a little disappointing. That’s when I learned about the golden ratio for French press coffee, and everything changed. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact gram-to-water measurements, how long to steep, and how to brew French press coffee step by step—plus I’ll share what worked (and what didn’t) from my own experience. Ready to finally master your morning brew? Let’s dive in.
The Golden Ratio – How Many Grams of Coffee Per French Press Size?
When I first learned about the golden ratio for French press coffee, it felt like unlocking a secret code. Before that, I was just scooping and hoping for the best. But once I started weighing my coffee, every cup suddenly tasted consistent — not too bitter, not too watery. Think of it as the “sweet spot” where flavor, aroma, and strength come together perfectly.
Common French Press Sizes and How Many Grams of Coffee to Use
| French Press Size | Water (ml / oz) | Coffee (grams) | Coffee (tablespoons) | Cups (8 oz) |
| Small (12 oz / 350 ml) | 350 ml / 12 oz | 23 g | ~3 tbsp | 1.5 cups |
| Medium (24 oz / 700 ml) | 700 ml / 24 oz | 46 g | ~6 tbsp | 3 cups |
| Large (34 oz / 1 L) | 1000 ml / 34 oz | 55–60 g | ~8 tbsp | 4–5 cups |
| XL (51 oz / 1.5 L) | 1500 ml / 51 oz | 85–90 g | ~12 tbsp | 6–7 cups |
When people ask, “How many grams of coffee for French press?” the real answer depends on your taste. If you like it strong, go 1:14. Prefer it lighter? Try 1:17. I often tweak the ratio based on the beans I use — dark roasts feel fuller at 1:16, while fruity light roasts shine at 1:15.
Quick Conversion Tips – Grams ↔ Tablespoons ↔ Cups
If you don’t have a digital scale yet (trust me, it’s worth it), here’s a simple cheat sheet:
- 1 tablespoon of coffee = ~7 grams
- 1 cup of water = ~240 ml
- Standard 8-cup French press = ~1 liter = 55–60 grams coffee
So if you’re brewing without a scale, start with 8 tablespoons of coffee for a full French press. It won’t be perfect, but it’ll get you close.
Why Weight (Grams) Matters More Than Scoops
Here’s the thing — scoops can lie. A heaping scoop of coarse-ground beans weighs differently than a level one of fine grounds. When I switched from scoops to grams, my French press coffee went from “hit or miss” to consistently great. Measuring by weight gives you precision — the same delicious balance every time.
In short, the golden ratio isn’t just a number — it’s your shortcut to a perfectly balanced cup. Whether you’re brewing a single mug or a full pot for friends, those few grams make all the difference. Once you start measuring, you’ll never go back to guessing.
How Much Coffee for 4 Cups of French Press?
You’ll need 30–33 grams of coffee for 4 cups of French press. That’s based on each cup being 8 oz (about 240ml) and using the 1:15 ratio.
Let’s clear one thing up—“cup” doesn’t always mean the same thing. Some mugs hold 12 oz, some coffee machines use 5 oz as a “cup,” and French presses often label cups differently. For brewing, I stick to the standard: 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces = ~240ml. So 4 cups means you’re using around 960ml of water, which calls for roughly 32g of coffee using the golden ratio.
At first, I tried using tablespoons to measure my grounds—3 for a light cup, 4 if I was feeling bold. But the taste was never consistent. One morning it was too light, another day too bitter. That’s when I got a cheap digital scale, and it honestly changed my entire routine. Now I just weigh out 32g, and the result is always rich, smooth, and just how I like it.
If you don’t have a scale yet, here’s a rough guide:
- 1 tablespoon of coarse-ground coffee ≈ 7–8 grams
So for 4 cups, use about 4 to 4.5 tablespoons. But again—this isn’t exact, and grind size can really change the weight-per-scoop.
From my experience, guessing by scoops led to hit-or-miss coffee. But with grams, it’s repeatable magic. Especially when you’re brewing for others—nailing the right amount makes it feel like you’ve got your own café at home
Steeping Time – How Long Should I Steep Coffee in a French Press?
Steep French press coffee for 4 minutes. If you’re using a light roast, you might need 5–6 minutes to pull out the full flavor.
I used to think, “The longer it steeps, the stronger it gets—right?” Well, yes… and no. Steeping time doesn’t just affect strength—it changes the balance of flavor, acidity, and bitterness. Four minutes hits that sweet spot where your coffee tastes full but smooth, without going harsh or muddy.
Grind size also plays a big role. A coarse grind needs more time to extract, which is why it works so well with French press. But if your grind is too fine (like espresso), it over-extracts fast and turns bitter. I learned this the hard way after using pre-ground coffee meant for drip machines—my cup tasted like burnt toast water.
One time, I got distracted and let the coffee steep for 10 minutes. Big mistake. It smelled amazing, but the taste? Overwhelming and sharp, like licking a pencil. That bitter aftertaste clung to my tongue for hours. That day taught me: set a timer—your taste buds will thank you.
Pro tip: After adding hot water, give the coffee a quick stir at the 2-minute mark. This helps the grounds sink and releases more flavor evenly. It’s a small extra step that makes a noticeable difference in body and aroma.
Once I understood the rhythm—coarse grind, 4-minute steep, stir halfway—it became second nature. Now every cup feels like a warm reward for doing things just right.
Step-by-Step – How to Brew French Press Coffee Like a Pro
Before I nailed my method, brewing with a French press felt like a guessing game. Some days were great, others? Not so much. But once I followed a consistent step-by-step routine, everything changed. It’s like learning a dance—once you know the rhythm, you just flow.
What You’ll Need:
- French press (any size, preferably glass or stainless steel)
- Fresh coarse-ground coffee
- Digital scale (for grams)
- Kettle (with temperature control or thermometer)
- Timer (your phone works great)
- Wooden spoon or chopstick (for stirring)
Step-by-Step Brewing Process (With Real-Life Tips)
- Boil your water – Heat it to about 200°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, boil it, then let it sit for 30 seconds.
- Weigh your coffee – Use the 1:15 ratio. For example, 33g of coffee for 500ml of water.
- Add coffee to the French press – Make sure it’s coarse, like sea salt. Fine grounds will slip through the mesh and make your brew muddy.
- Pour in hot water – Slowly, making sure all grounds are soaked. I pour in a spiral to evenly saturate.
- Stir gently – Around the 2-minute mark, stir to help the coffee release flavor and settle evenly.
- Place the lid, but don’t plunge yet – Let it steep for 4 minutes.
- Slowly plunge down – No need to rush. A fast plunge stirs up sediment.
- Pour and enjoy – Serve immediately. Leaving coffee in the press too long over-extracts it.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Too bitter?
You might have steeped too long or used water that was too hot. Stick to 4 minutes at 200°F. - Too weak or sour?
Try using a slightly finer grind, or make sure your water is hot enough. Also check your ratio—it might be too much water. - Muddy or silty cup?
This usually means your grind is too fine, or you plunged too fast. Stick to coarse grind and take it slow.
Once I followed this exact process, my coffee went from “meh” to “wow” overnight. It became a morning ritual I actually looked forward to—no pods, no guessing, just real, full-bodied coffee.
My Go-To French Press Routine (With Tips & Tools I Trust)
Every morning, before the world wakes up, I step into the kitchen, switch on the kettle, and breathe in the calm. It’s my moment. My French press routine isn’t just about coffee—it’s a tiny ritual that grounds my day. And after plenty of trial and error, I’ve finally found a rhythm (and a few tools) that make it consistently great.
My Morning Setup – Simple But Solid
I start with filtered water, heat it to 200°F, and weigh out my beans with a digital scale. While the water heats, I grind the beans fresh. I use 33g of coffee for my mid-size 500ml press—enough for two solid cups. Then I steep for 4 minutes, plunge slowly, and pour straight into my favorite mug.
The Tools I Actually Use
- Coffee beans: I rotate between Stumptown Hair Bender and Lavazza Gran Aroma, depending on my mood.
- Grinder: I use a Timemore Chestnut C2 hand grinder—it’s quiet and gives me the perfect coarse grind.
- Scale: Just a basic KitchenTour digital scale I grabbed online. It’s reliable and has a tare function.
- French Press: I use a Bodum Chambord—it’s sturdy, easy to clean, and looks nice on the counter.
Mistakes I Made and What Fixed Them
In the beginning, I used pre-ground supermarket coffee, guessed the amount with scoops, and didn’t pay attention to water temp. My brews were bitter, sometimes gritty, and often just… off. Once I started grinding fresh, using a scale, and steeping for exactly 4 minutes, my coffee tasted 10x better.
Hosting and Cold Brew Tips
When I have friends over, I pull out my big 8-cup press. I grind a batch of beans ahead, store them in an airtight jar, and label the ratio (usually 55g for 1L water). It saves time and still feels personal.
For cold brew, I use the same French press. I do 1:8 ratio, steep in cold water for 12–14 hours in the fridge, then plunge and pour. It’s rich, smooth, and a summer favorite in my house.
FAQs
What is the golden ratio for French press coffee?
The golden ratio is 1:15—use 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams (or ml) of water for a balanced, flavorful brew.
How long should I steep coffee in a French press?
Steep for 4 minutes for most roasts. Lighter roasts can go up to 5 or 6 minutes to bring out more nuanced flavors without bitterness.
Can I use pre-ground coffee for a French press?
You can, but it’s better to grind fresh beans coarsely. Pre-ground coffee is often too fine, which can lead to over-extraction and gritty texture.
Final Thoughts
The key to great French press coffee is simple. Use the right amount of coffee and water. A good rule is 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams (or ml) of water.
Use coarse-ground beans, hot water around 200°F, and steep for 4 minutes. Then press and pour. That’s it!
Want a stronger cup? Try a 1:14 ratio. Like it lighter? Go for 1:16 or 1:17. You can test and tweak until it feels just right.
Once I found my perfect mix—32 grams of coffee to 480 ml of water—my mornings changed. No more weak cups. No more bitter mess. Just bold, smooth coffee every time.
