Espresso Brew Ratio Calculator and Dial-In Helper
Free espresso brew ratio calculator: enter dose, yield and shot time to see your ratio, a target yield and a simple next step to dial in your shot.
By EspressoWiki Editors
Updated October 4, 2026
This guide is based on public information and manufacturer specifications. We do not claim hands-on testing. Prices and availability change often; check Amazon for current details.
Use this helper to check your espresso recipe and decide what to change next. Enter your dose, how much liquid is in the cup and how long the shot took, then say how it tastes.
A typical starting recipe is 1:2 in 25 to 30 seconds. Change one thing at a time.
A guide only. Every machine, grinder and coffee behaves differently, and tasting matters more than any number.
How to use it
- Weigh your coffee into the basket and enter it as the dose.
- Pull a shot onto a scale and enter the liquid weight and time.
- Choose how it tastes. The helper suggests a next step.
- Change one thing, pull another shot and repeat.
What the numbers mean
- Brew ratio compares dose with liquid. A 1:2 ratio means 18 g of coffee gives about 36 g of espresso.
- Shot time is a clue, not a target. Taste matters most.
Learn more in our grind size chart, how to use an espresso machine and glossary.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good espresso ratio?
A common starting point is 1:2, such as 18 g in and 36 g out. Shorter and longer ratios are also popular, depending on the coffee and your taste.
Why is my shot sour?
Sour shots often mean under-extraction. Try a finer grind first.
About the author
The EspressoWiki editorial team researches espresso machines, grinders and coffee accessories from manufacturer specifications, published reviews and buyer feedback, and writes plain-English buying guides.