foxhole-coffee.polsia.app/field-manual/water-ratios — Printed
1:12 to 1:18. The math is simple. The results are not.
Ratio is how much water you use relative to coffee. It’s not the whole picture — grind size, temperature, and time all factor in — but ratio is the easiest variable to control and the quickest way to fix a bad cup. Start here, then tune everything else.
See grind chart
1:12–1:18 · see table
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Espresso (1:2 output), AeroPress (strong)
High extraction, low yield. Not for drip.
AeroPress (standard), strong auto-drip
Good for darker roasts, works well in AeroPress.
AeroPress, V60
The classic middle ground. Works for most methods.
French Press, drip machine
Our most-used ratio. Strong enough for immersion, not overpowering for drip.
V60, Kalita, Chemex (the roastery standard)
The Foxhole go-to for pour over. Clean, balanced, expressive.
Light roasts, filter-focused brews
Less body, more clarity. Better for origin-forward, high-acidity coffees.
High-extraction, low-strength brews
Used when you want the lightest possible cup. Rare outside specialty filter.
1 scoop ≈ 10g coffee. A level AeroPress scoop = ~17g. Adjust based on your method and preference. See grind chart →
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Too strong | Use more water — bump ratio from 1:15 to 1:16 or 1:17. Or use less coffee. |
| Too weak | Use less water — drop from 1:16 to 1:15. Or use more coffee. |
| Tastes bitter and over-extracted | The ratio might be right — the grind is probably too fine. Try grinding coarser before adjusting ratio. |
| Sour and thin | Under-extraction. Grind finer and/or raise water temp before changing ratio. |
Q: What does 1:16 ratio mean exactly?
1 gram of coffee to 16 grams of water. So 22g coffee to 352g water = 1:16. Scale your dose up or down proportionally.
Q: Is 1:16 the best ratio?
It’s the most versatile. Start there, then adjust based on roast level and method. Dark roasts often do better at 1:15, light roasts at 1:16–1:17.
Q: What about scoops instead of grams?
1 level scoop ≈ 10g coffee. So 1 scoop + 160g water = 1:16 ratio. A generous scoop is closer to 12g.
Q: Should I measure by weight or volume?
Weight. Volume is imprecise — 1 cup of fine grind weighs far more than 1 cup of coarse grind. Use a scale. It’s the single most impactful upgrade to your brew setup.
Q: Does ratio change for cold brew?
Cold brew uses a different system — concentrate at 1:7 to 1:8, diluted 1:1 to serve. The ratio is based on concentration, not final brew strength.
All six methods. Every ratio, every setting. Foxhole tactical styling. Printable PDF — delivered to your inbox right now.
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