Learn the essentials: here’s how much coffee to put in a French press and get the best-tasting coffee. This French press coffee ratio guarantees a delicious brew every time!
French press is one of the easiest, least expensive ways to make great coffee. A simple pleasure. It makes it easy to make coffee for several people at once and brews heavy-bodied coffee in just 4 minutes. It’s also plastic-free, so it’s ideal for your health and for the environment.
How does a French press work?
A French press makes coffee by immersing ground coffee in hot water and then separating the grounds from the coffee by pressing down the filter.
French press brew time: 4 minutes
French press water temp: hot water just off the boil (between 195°F and 205°F)
French press grind size: coarse, as breadcrumbs
But, the key to a great tasting French press coffee is using proper coffee to water ratio for French press.
How much coffee to put in a French press?
French presses are available in a number of sizes, starting at 12 ounces and going all the way up to 51 ounces. Depending on its size or how many cups you wish to make, you’ll need to adjust the amount of coffee.
One detail to keep in mind is that the brands are a little misleading with their measurements. French press cups are not the same as standard US cups.
While the standard cup in US measurement is 8 fl ounces, a cup on your press is only 4 fl ounces. This means that a full 4 cup French press makes 2 standard cups (16 fl oz), not 4.
3 cup French press – makes 12 oz coffee
4 cup French press – makes 17 oz (makes 2 standard US cups)
8 cup French press – makes 34 oz (makes 4 cups)
12 cup French press – makes 51 oz (makes 6 cups)
How many tablespoons of coffee for a French press
The golden French press coffee to water ratio is 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 8 ounces of water. You may use more or less depending on your own preferences.
For bold, strong brew use:
To make 1 standard US cup = Use 8 oz water + 2 tbsp coffee
For 2 cups = Use 16 oz water + 4 tbsp coffee (this amount makes full 4 cups French press)
For 3 cups = Use 24 oz water + 6 tbsp coffee
For 4 cups = Use 32 oz water + 8 tbsp coffee (this amount makes full 8 cups French press)
For 5 cups = Use 40 oz water + 10 tbsp coffee
For 6 cups = Use 48 oz water + 12 tbsp coffee (makes full 12 cup French press)
For medium strength, use:
1 standard US cup = 8 oz water + 1 1/2 tbsp coffee
2 cups = 16 oz water + 3 tbsp coffee
3 cups = 24 oz water + 4 1/2 tbsp coffee
4 cups = 32 oz water + 6 tbsp coffee
5 cups = 40 oz water + 7 1/2 tbsp coffee
6 cups = 48 oz water + 9 tbsp coffee
How many scoops of coffee for French press
4 cup French press – 2 scoops of coffee
8 cup French press – 4 scoops of coffee
12 cup French press – 6 scoops of coffee
Cold brew French press ratio
French presses can be used to make cold brew coffee as well. Simply fill the carafe with coarsely ground coffee beans and cold water, place in the fridge, and let steep anywhere from 12 to 24 hours.
17 oz press – 3 oz coarsely ground coffee + 2 cups (16 oz) cold water
34 oz press – 6 oz coarsely ground coffee + 4 cups (32 oz) cold water
50 oz press – 9 oz coarsely ground coffee + 6 cups (48 oz) cups cold water
Besides making cold brew concentrate, you can also use your French press to make this quick French press iced coffee. It’s delicious, effortless and it’s ready in just 5 minutes! It’s also tastier than cold brew. I’m sure it will be your new favorite summer drink.
