French press is one of the simplest ways to make rich, full-bodied coffee. You do not need paper filters or complicated pouring technique—just a French press, fresh coffee, hot water and a few minutes.
French press recipe at a glance: Use 30 g of coffee, 450–480 g of water, a medium-coarse grind and about a 4-minute steep. Pour the finished coffee off the grounds after pressing so it does not keep extracting.
French Press Coffee Ratio
A good starting point is about 1 part coffee to 15 or 16 parts water by weight. For example, use 30 grams of coffee with roughly 450–480 grams of water.
If the coffee tastes too strong, use a little more water. If it tastes thin, use slightly more coffee or adjust the grind before making a dramatic recipe change.
See our full coffee-to-water ratio guide for more examples.
How Much Coffee for a French Press?
Using a 1:15 to 1:16 ratio, these are useful starting points:
- 12 oz / 355 g water: about 22–24 g coffee
- 20 oz / 590 g water: about 37–39 g coffee
- 34 oz / 1,000 g water: about 63–67 g coffee
If your press has a different capacity, divide the water weight by 15 or 16 to estimate the coffee dose, then adjust to taste.
French Press Grind Size
Start with a medium-coarse to coarse grind. The exact setting depends on your grinder and the design of your press, so use taste as the final guide.
If the cup is bitter, harsh or overly muddy, try grinding a little coarser. If it tastes weak, sharp or underdeveloped, try grinding slightly finer.
Our coffee grind size guide explains how grind changes extraction.
Simple French Press Recipe
- Heat fresh water. Water just off the boil works well for many coffees.
- Grind 30 grams of coffee medium-coarse.
- Add the coffee to the French press.
- Pour in 450–480 grams of water, making sure all of the grounds are wet.
- Let the coffee steep for about four minutes.
- Gently stir or break the crust at the surface if needed.
- Place the lid on and press the plunger slowly and evenly.
- Pour the coffee into cups or another serving vessel rather than leaving it sitting on the grounds.
What Coffee Is Best for French Press?
French press works with nearly any roast. Medium and dark coffees tend to emphasize the method's fuller body and comforting sweetness. Lighter coffees can be excellent too, especially if you enjoy a more aromatic cup with some texture.
Browse medium roast coffee, dark roast coffee or all fresh roasted coffee.
Why Is My French Press Coffee Bitter?
Common causes include grinding too fine, brewing too long, using too much coffee or leaving the finished brew in contact with the grounds for an extended period. Start by adjusting one variable at a time.
Why Is My French Press Coffee Weak?
Try a slightly finer grind, a little more coffee or a longer steep. Make sure all grounds are saturated at the beginning of the brew.
French Press FAQ
How long should French press coffee brew?
About four minutes is a useful starting point, but grind size, roast and taste can justify a longer or shorter brew.
Do I need a coarse grind?
Medium-coarse to coarse is a practical starting range. The best setting is the one that gives you balanced flavor without excessive sediment or harshness.
Should I pour all the coffee out after pressing?
Yes. Moving the finished coffee off the grounds helps keep extraction from continuing while you drink it.