Tools

Espresso Ratio Calculator

Dial in your espresso dose and yield. Includes extraction time guidance and grind size hints.

Espresso ratio calculator

Normale
1:2
1:1.51:3

Enter dose or yield; the other updates automatically.

Extraction Time27s
20s40s
UnderTarget (25-30s)Over
Target zone. Your grind size looks right.

Quick Reference (1:2 ratio)

Shot Type Dose (in) Yield (out)
Single 9 g 18 g
Double 18 g 36 g
Triple 21 g 42 g

Common Questions

What is the best espresso ratio?

1:2 is the most common starting point for specialty coffee. That means if you dose 18 g of coffee, you pull 36 g of liquid espresso. From there, taste and adjust. Want more sweetness and body? Go shorter (1:1.5). Want more clarity? Go longer (1:2.5).

How do I measure espresso yield?

Put a scale under your cup and tare it before pulling the shot. Weigh the liquid output in grams, not milliliters. Crema makes volume measurements unreliable, so weight is the only consistent way to track yield.

What is the difference between ristretto, normale, and lungo?

It comes down to ratio. Ristretto is around 1:1 to 1:1.5 - concentrated and syrupy. Normale (standard) is 1:2 - balanced. Lungo is 1:2.5 to 1:3 - lighter body with more volume. The dose stays the same; only the output changes.