Espresso Extraction Ratio Calculator
The espresso brew ratio, liquid yield in the cup divided by the dry coffee dose, is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to control strength and balance. This calculator works three ways: enter your dose and yield to read the ratio you pulled, enter a dose and target ratio to find the yield to stop at, or enter a target yield and ratio to find the dose. All weights are in grams, the standard for repeatable espresso. Ratios such as 1:2 are starting points; dial in by taste, grind and shot time for your beans.
Brew ratio formula
ratio value = yield / dose (expressed as 1 : value)
yield for target = dose * target ratio
dose for target = yield / target ratio
strength index = dose / yield (lower means more dilute)
Ratio is liquid out divided by coffee in, by weight. Expressed as 1:N, a higher N is a longer, more dilute shot.
Espresso ratio guidance
- About 1:2 is a common balanced modern espresso target.
- Roughly 1:1 to 1:1.5 is a concentrated ristretto.
- About 1:2.5 to 1:3 is a longer lungo.
- Weigh both dose and yield in grams for repeatability.
- Ratio is one lever; grind, time and temperature matter too.
Espresso ratio: frequently asked questions
What is an espresso brew ratio?
The brew ratio is the weight of liquid espresso in the cup (yield) divided by the weight of dry ground coffee (dose). A 18 gram dose pulling 36 grams of espresso is a 1:2 ratio. Ratio is a core lever for strength and extraction, alongside grind, time and temperature.
What ratio should I aim for?
Common targets are roughly 1:2 for a balanced modern espresso, around 1:1 to 1:1.5 for a concentrated ristretto, and 1:2.5 to 1:3 for a longer lungo. These are starting points; dial in by taste, time and grind. The right ratio depends on the bean and your preference.
How do I find the yield for a target ratio?
Multiply your dose by the ratio. An 18 gram dose at a 1:2.5 ratio targets 45 grams of espresso in the cup. Enter your dose and target ratio and the calculator returns the yield to stop your shot at.
How do I find the dose for a target yield?
Divide the target yield by the ratio. To pull 40 grams at 1:2, you need a 20 gram dose. This helps when your basket or cup size fixes the yield and you need to work backward to the dose.
Is brew ratio the same as extraction yield?
No. Brew ratio is liquid out to coffee in, by weight. Extraction yield is the percentage of the coffee's mass actually dissolved into the cup, measured with total dissolved solids and a refractometer. Ratio is easy to control on any scale; true extraction percentage needs extra measurement.
Official sources
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 17 June 2026. See our methodology.