Chemex Calculator
Enter your coffee, water, or servings for a bright, clean Chemex recipe with medium-coarse grind guidance and pour timing.
- 1Method
- 2Amount
- 3Results
Brewing a balanced Chemex
The Chemex uses a thick bonded filter that produces an exceptionally clean, tea-like cup. We default to a balanced 1:16 ratio. Enter what you know and the calculator returns the full recipe with grind and timing.
Pouring technique
Rinse the filter with hot water first to remove any paper taste and preheat the glass. Bloom for about 45 seconds, then pour in stages, keeping the coffee bed level and submerged. Total brew time around 4:00–4:30 gives clarity and sweetness. Because the filter is thick, grind a touch coarser than you would for a small pour over.
Compare methods in the coffee ratio calculator or convert cups to grams with the coffee amount calculator.
Common coffee ratios by method
Every method has a practical starting ratio. Use these as a baseline and adjust to taste.
| Method | Balanced ratio | Grind | Brew time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pour Over | 1:16 | Medium-fine | ~3:00–3:30 |
| French Press | 1:15 | Coarse | ~4:00 |
| AeroPress | 1:15 | Medium-fine | ~1:30–2:00 |
| Drip Coffee | 1:16 | Medium | ~4:00–6:00 |
| Chemex | 1:16 | Medium-coarse | ~4:00–4:30 |
| Cold Brew | 1:5 | Extra coarse | 12–18 hours |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Chemex coffee ratio?
A 1:16 ratio is a clean, balanced starting point for the Chemex. Because the filter is thick, some brewers prefer 1:15 for a bit more body.
What grind size for Chemex?
Medium-coarse grind, slightly coarser than a standard pour over, helps the water flow through the thick Chemex filter at a good pace.
How long should a Chemex brew take?
Aim for roughly 4:00–4:30 total, including a 45-second bloom. If it drains too slowly, grind coarser; too quickly, grind finer.