The simplest answer is that most French Press recipes work best in the 1:12 to 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio range. That means for every 1 gram of coffee, you use 12 to 16 grams of water. If you want a balanced cup with good sweetness and body, 1:15 is a reliable starting point. From there, you adjust based on your taste, the roast level, and how long you steep. Measuring by weight gives the most consistent results, but you can also use tablespoons as a practical backup when a scale is not available.

SENGHO offers durable press options designed for stable brewing and easy daily use. You can explore models on our French press collection.

Why The Coffee Amount Matters In A French Press

A French press is full-immersion brewing. Coffee grounds remain in contact with water for several minutes, so small changes in dose have a big impact on strength and extraction. Too little coffee can taste thin and watery, while too much can taste harsh, heavy, and muddy. The right dose helps you hit a balanced extraction where you get sweetness, aroma, and body without bitter over-extraction.

Dose is also connected to grind size and steep time. French press uses a coarse grind, and steep time is typically 4 minutes. If you change the dose dramatically without adjusting grind or time, the cup can drift away from the flavor profile you want.

Best Starting Ratio And How To Adjust It

A good baseline is 1:15. This ratio tends to produce a cup that works for many beans and roast styles.

Use these adjustments based on preference:

• If you want stronger coffee with more body, move toward 1:12 to 1:14.

• If you want a lighter, cleaner cup, move toward 1:15 to 1:16.

• If the coffee tastes bitter or dry, the fix is often a slightly coarser grind or shorter steep time rather than simply lowering the dose.

• If the coffee tastes sour or weak, a slightly finer grind or longer steep time can help, along with a small dose increase.

This approach prevents you from chasing flavor by dose alone.

Coffee Amount Table For Common French Press Sizes

French press capacity is usually listed in milliliters or ounces. The table below uses a 1:15 ratio as the main reference, with a helpful “stronger” option at 1:13 for people who like a more concentrated cup.

If your press is labeled by “cups,” check what that means. Many presses define a “cup” as 4 oz rather than a full mug. Using water volume in ml gives you more reliable control.

If You Measure By Tablespoons

Weight is best, but tablespoons can still work for daily brewing. A common practical guideline is that 1 tablespoon of coarse ground coffee is roughly 5–7 grams, depending on bean density and grind. Because the range is wide, use tablespoons as a starting point and adjust based on taste.

A simple method:

• Start with 2 tablespoons per 240 ml of water for a medium-strength brew.

• Add 1 tablespoon if you want stronger coffee, or reduce slightly for a lighter cup.

If you want consistent results without a scale, keep your scoop the same and avoid changing grind size frequently.

Grind Size And Dose Work Together

For French press, use a coarse grind that looks similar to coarse sea salt. If the grind is too fine, the cup can taste bitter and leave more sediment, even if your dose is correct. If the grind is too coarse, the cup may taste weak, and increasing dose is not always the best fix.

When your dose feels right but flavor is off:

• Bitter and heavy: go slightly coarser or shorten steep time.

• Sour and thin: go slightly finer or extend steep time.

Dose should stay within your preferred ratio range, while grind and time fine-tune flavor.

A Reliable Brewing Method For Consistent Results

Once you know how much coffee to add, the rest of the method keeps the ratio working as intended. A consistent routine helps you evaluate changes accurately.

1. Preheat the press with hot water, then discard it.

2. Add the measured coffee grounds.

3. Pour hot water evenly, then stir gently to wet all grounds.

4. Place the lid on with the plunger pulled up and steep for about 4 minutes.

5. Press slowly with steady pressure.

6. Serve immediately to avoid over-extraction in the press.

If you leave coffee sitting on the grounds after pressing, the flavor can become harsher over time even if your ratio is correct.

Choosing The Right Press For Daily Brewing

A stable press improves consistency. A well-built plunger filter reduces fine sediment, and heat-retaining materials help maintain brew temperature during the steep. SENGHO’s press designs focus on practical brewing performance and durability for repeat use. You can browse options in our French press collection.

Conclusion

How much coffee you put into a French press is best determined by ratio. A 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio is a dependable starting point, with adjustments toward 1:12 to 1:16 depending on how strong you like your cup. Use the size table to match your press volume, measure by weight when possible, and fine-tune flavor with grind size and steep time rather than changing dose aggressively.

If you are choosing a French press for home use, hospitality supply, or a bulk program, contact SENGHO with your preferred capacity and brewing style. We can recommend suitable options and share practical brewing guidance to help you achieve consistent results.