Coffee Bean-to-Grind Setting Converter

How This Tool Works

This converter matches your coffee bean type and brewing method to the optimal grind setting range. It considers how different bean characteristics (roast level, density, origin) interact with brewing methods to determine the best grind size. The tool provides a starting point based on established coffee extraction principles, then you can fine-tune based on taste and extraction time.

The converter accounts for the relationship between grind size, surface area, and extraction rate. Finer grinds have more surface area and extract faster (needed for short brew times), while coarser grinds extract slower (needed for longer brew times). The tool also considers how bean roast level affects extraction speed, helping you achieve balanced, flavorful coffee.

Grind Size Guide by Brewing Method

• Espresso: Very fine (like table salt) - Settings 1-5 - Brew time: 25-30 seconds
• Pour-Over: Medium-fine to medium (like granulated sugar) - Settings 15-25 - Brew time: 3-4 minutes
• Drip Coffee: Medium (like sand) - Settings 20-30 - Brew time: 4-6 minutes
• French Press: Coarse (like breadcrumbs) - Settings 25-35+ - Brew time: 4-5 minutes
• Cold Brew: Coarse to very coarse - Settings 30-40+ - Brew time: 12-24 hours
• AeroPress: Fine to medium-fine - Settings 10-20 - Brew time: 1-2 minutes

Understanding Grind Size and Extraction

• Surface Area: Finer grinds have more surface area, allowing faster extraction
• Brew Time: Shorter brew times (espresso) need finer grinds; longer times (French press) need coarser
• Extraction Rate: Finer = faster extraction, coarser = slower extraction
• Over-Extraction: Too fine = bitter, astringent, over-extracted coffee
• Under-Extraction: Too coarse = sour, weak, under-extracted coffee
• Balance: Goal is balanced extraction with proper flavor development

Tips for Finding Your Perfect Grind

• Start with the recommended setting for your brewing method, then adjust based on taste
• If coffee tastes sour or weak, grind finer to increase extraction
• If coffee tastes bitter or astringent, grind coarser to decrease extraction
• Make small adjustments (1-2 settings at a time) and taste test between changes
• Keep notes on what grind settings work best for each bean and method
• Consider extraction time: too fast = grind finer, too slow = grind coarser
• Different beans may need slightly different grind sizes even with the same method
• Grinder quality matters: burr grinders provide more consistent particle size than blade grinders

FAQ

• What grind size should I use for espresso?
  Espresso requires a very fine grind, similar to table salt or slightly finer. On most grinders, this is typically the finest setting or near the finest. The exact number varies by grinder model, but espresso generally requires settings between 1-5 on a scale where 1 is finest. The grind should be fine enough to create resistance and proper extraction time (25-30 seconds), but not so fine that it chokes the machine. Adjust based on extraction time and taste.
• What grind size is best for pour-over coffee?
  Pour-over coffee requires a medium-fine to medium grind, similar to granulated sugar or sea salt. This allows for proper water flow and extraction time (typically 3-4 minutes). On most grinders, this is typically in the middle range, around settings 15-25 depending on the grinder. The grind should allow water to flow through at a steady rate without pooling or draining too quickly. Adjust finer if coffee is weak, coarser if it is bitter or over-extracted.
• How does bean roast level affect grind size?
  Darker roasts are more brittle and extract faster, so they often need a slightly coarser grind to prevent over-extraction and bitterness. Lighter roasts are denser and extract slower, so they may need a slightly finer grind to achieve proper extraction. However, the brewing method is still the primary factor. Start with the recommended grind for your brewing method, then adjust based on taste: if coffee is sour or weak, grind finer; if bitter or astringent, grind coarser.
• What grind size should I use for French press?
  French press requires a coarse grind, similar to breadcrumbs or coarse sea salt. This allows for proper steeping time (4-5 minutes) without over-extraction. On most grinders, this is typically in the coarser range, around settings 25-35 or higher depending on the grinder. The grind should be large enough that most particles float during steeping and are caught by the mesh filter. Too fine a grind will result in sediment in your cup and potential over-extraction.
• How do I adjust grind size for different brewing methods?
  Start with the recommended grind size for your brewing method: espresso (very fine), pour-over (medium-fine), drip coffee (medium), French press (coarse), cold brew (coarse). Then adjust based on taste and extraction time. If coffee is sour, weak, or under-extracted, grind finer. If coffee is bitter, astringent, or over-extracted, grind coarser. Make small adjustments (1-2 settings at a time) and taste test. Keep notes on what works best for each bean and method.
• Why does grind size matter for coffee extraction?
  Grind size directly affects extraction rate and surface area. Finer grinds have more surface area and extract faster, which is needed for short brew times like espresso. Coarser grinds have less surface area and extract slower, which is needed for longer brew times like French press or cold brew. Proper grind size ensures balanced extraction: too fine causes over-extraction (bitter, astringent), too coarse causes under-extraction (sour, weak). The goal is to match grind size to brew time and method for optimal flavor.