Espresso Ratio Calculator

Calculate espresso brew ratio (yield ÷ dose) for ristretto, normale, or lungo. Includes shot time assessment, extraction yield estimate, milk drink ratios, and SCA standards.

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g
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Brew Ratio (yield/dose)
Style
Shot Assessment
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Target Yield
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Brew Ratio
Style
Shot Assessment
Extraction Yield (est)
Milk Amount
Water Temp

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter your dose (grams of coffee in the basket — typically 14–20g).
  2. Enter your yield (grams of liquid espresso in the cup — weigh on a scale).
  3. Enter the shot time in seconds.
  4. The calculator returns your ratio, style (ristretto/normale/lungo), and shot assessment.

Formula

Brew Ratio = Yield (g) ÷ Dose (g)
1:1.5 = Ristretto | 1:2 = Normale | 1:3+ = Lungo
Target extraction yield: 18–22% of coffee mass.

Example

18g dose, 36g yield, 27 sec: Ratio = 36 ÷ 18 = 1:2 (Normale). Shot time is ideal. For flat white: add ~54ml steamed milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A classic double espresso (normale) uses 18g of coffee and pulls 36g of liquid — a 1:2 ratio in 25–30 seconds at 9 bar. Ristretto is 1:1.5 (shorter, sweeter); lungo is 1:3 or more.
  • Under-extraction is sour, weak, or watery — pull longer or grind finer. Over-extraction is bitter, harsh, or dry — pull shorter or grind coarser. Ideal shot time: 25–35 seconds.
  • TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) measures espresso strength as a percentage. Specialty coffee targets 8–12% TDS for espresso. Paired with dose and yield, it determines extraction yield, ideally 18–22%.
  • Flat white: ~1:3 ratio (18g dose → ~54ml milk). Latte: ~1:5 ratio (18g dose → ~90ml milk). Cappuccino: equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.

Related Calculators

Sources & References (4)
  1. SCA Espresso Standards — Specialty Coffee Association
  2. Barista Hustle – Espresso Extraction — Barista Hustle
  3. Italian Espresso National Institute (INEI) — INEI
  4. James Hoffmann – How to Make Espresso — James Hoffmann