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Cold Brew Calculator

How much coffee for cold brew? Choose a batch size and strength to get grounds, water, steep time, concentrate yield and how many drinks it makes.

Coffee grounds needed
189
grams
6.7oz
Coffee (weight)
550ml
Strained yield
3
Servings
14–18hrs
Steep time
177ml
Concentrate per serving
177ml
Water / milk per serving
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Step-by-step cold brew guide

Grind, steep, strain and store — the full cold brew method with equipment tips.

Read the guide →

Cold Brew Ratios at a Glance

Batch (water)1:4 strong1:5 concentrate1:8 ready-to-drink

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee do I need for a gallon of cold brew?
For a gallon (about 3,785 g) of water at a standard 1:5 concentrate ratio you need roughly 757 g (about 1.7 lb) of coffee. At a ready-to-drink 1:8 ratio you need about 473 g (roughly 1 lb). Use the calculator above for other batch sizes.
What is the best cold brew coffee ratio?
Most home brewers use 1:5 by weight (1 part coffee to 5 parts water) for a concentrate that is diluted about 1:1 before drinking, or 1:8 for a ready-to-drink batch. Start there and adjust a little stronger or weaker to taste.
How long should cold brew steep?
Between 12 and 24 hours. Around 14–18 hours at room temperature or in the fridge suits most concentrates. Steeping much longer tends to pull out woody, bitter flavors.
What grind size is best for cold brew?
Coarse — similar to French press or coarser. A coarse grind slows extraction, makes filtering easier and keeps the brew from turning muddy or bitter. See the grind size guide.
How much water does the coffee absorb?
Ground coffee soaks up roughly twice its weight in water, so a batch made with 1,000 g of water and 200 g of coffee yields about 600 g of concentrate, not 1,000 g. The calculator accounts for this.
How long does cold brew last in the fridge?
Kept sealed and refrigerated, cold brew concentrate is generally best within about one to two weeks. Diluted or milk-added cold brew should be finished within a few days.
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Find a coffee worth cold brewing

Chocolatey, low-acid and nutty coffees shine as cold brew. Browse 600+ specialty coffees.

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