Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
These examples use common cold brew planning ratios.
| Recipe Style | Coffee | Water | Ratio | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ready To Drink | 80 g | 960 ml | 1:12 | Smooth direct serving |
| Balanced Concentrate | 100 g | 800 ml | 1:8 | Mix with water or milk |
| Strong Concentrate | 120 g | 720 ml | 1:6 | Ice drinks and milk drinks |
| Very Rich Batch | 150 g | 750 ml | 1:5 | Small servings with dilution |
Formula Used
The calculator treats one milliliter of water as about one gram. This is accurate enough for practical recipe planning.
- Water Needed: Water = Coffee × Ratio
- Coffee Needed: Coffee = Water ÷ Ratio
- Actual Ratio: Ratio = Water ÷ Coffee
- Absorption Loss: Loss = Coffee × Absorption Rate
- Concentrate Yield: Yield = Brew Water − Absorption Loss
- Diluted Drink: Final Volume = Concentrate Yield × (1 + Dilution Multiplier)
- Estimated TDS: TDS % = Dissolved Coffee ÷ Drink Volume × 100
- Target Batch Coffee: Coffee = Needed Concentrate ÷ (Ratio − Absorption Rate)
The strength result is an estimate. Grind size, steep time, roast level, filter type, and agitation can change the real cup.
How To Use This Calculator
- Enter a batch name if you want a labeled export.
- Select the calculation mode that matches your need.
- Enter coffee, water, or ratio values as required.
- Add target serving details for finished drink planning.
- Set dilution if you will mix concentrate with water, milk, or ice.
- Adjust absorption if your filter retains more or less liquid.
- Press Calculate Ratio to view results above the form.
- Use CSV or PDF buttons to save the recipe.
Cold Brew Ratio Guide
Why Ratio Matters
Cold brew looks simple, but ratios change everything. Too much water makes a thin drink. Too much coffee makes a heavy concentrate. This calculator keeps both sides clear. It converts coffee, brew water, serving size, and dilution into one recipe.
Common Starting Points
A common starting point is one part coffee to eight parts water by weight. That makes a rich concentrate for many brewers. A lighter ready drink may use one part coffee to twelve parts water. Stronger recipes may use one part coffee to five parts water. Your taste, roast level, grind size, and brew time still matter.
Yield And Absorption
The tool also estimates retained liquid. Ground coffee holds water after filtering. This loss affects final yield. Many recipes ignore that step. This calculator includes an absorption value, so the finished amount is more realistic.
Dilution Planning
Dilution is also important. Cold brew concentrate is often mixed with water, milk, or ice. A one to one dilution doubles the drink volume. It also lowers the estimated strength. The final strength estimate helps you compare recipes before brewing.
Better Measuring
Use grams when possible. Weight gives better control than scoops. Cups and ounces are convenient, but they can vary. If you use a scale, your batches become easier to repeat.
Strength Estimate
Extraction yield is included as an estimate. It shows how much soluble coffee may move into the brew. Cold brew extraction changes with grind, temperature, agitation, and time. The number should guide planning, not replace tasting.
Brewing Tips
For a balanced batch, start with a medium grind. Brew for twelve to eighteen hours. Filter gently. Then chill the concentrate before dilution. Taste it plain first. Add water or milk slowly. Record the final recipe.
Repeatable Results
The best ratio is the one you can repeat. Use the calculator before each batch. Save the result as a CSV or PDF. Compare recipes over time. Small changes become easy to test. This makes cold brew smoother, cleaner, and more predictable for daily use. Keep a simple brew log. Note the roast date, grind, water type, and steep time. Also note the final dilution. These details explain flavor changes. They help you improve without guessing. Repeat the best batch whenever needed. Share it with friends.
FAQs
What is a good cold brew ratio?
A good starting ratio is 1:8 for concentrate. Use 1:12 for a lighter ready drink. Use 1:5 or 1:6 for a stronger concentrate that will be mixed with milk, water, or ice.
Should I measure coffee by weight?
Yes. Weight is more reliable than scoops. Different grind sizes and roast levels fill scoops differently. Grams help you repeat the same cold brew recipe with better control.
What does dilution multiplier mean?
Dilution multiplier means how much mixer you add to concentrate. A value of 1 means equal concentrate and water or milk. A value of 0 means no dilution.
Why is final yield lower than brew water?
Ground coffee keeps some water after filtering. This retained liquid is absorption loss. The calculator subtracts that loss to estimate how much concentrate you can actually serve.
What absorption value should I use?
A practical starting value is 2 ml per gram of coffee. Paper filters, cloth bags, grind size, and pressing method can change this value. Adjust it after measuring real batches.
What does estimated TDS show?
Estimated TDS shows approximate dissolved coffee strength. It is useful for comparing recipes. Real TDS requires a refractometer, because grind, time, temperature, and filtration affect extraction.
Can I use this for milk based drinks?
Yes. Use the dilution field for milk, water, or both. The final drink volume and strength estimate will update based on your planned concentrate and mixer amounts.
How long should cold brew steep?
Most batches work well between twelve and eighteen hours. Shorter brews taste lighter. Longer brews taste heavier. Use the same time when comparing different ratios.