Free Brewing Reference
Coffee Grind Size Reference by Brew Method
Use texture as a starting point, then watch flow and taste. Grinder settings are not universal, so a number printed on one grinder should not be copied blindly to another.
Choose Your Brew Method
Start here
Fine, with an even texture.
If flow is too fast
Move slightly finer.
If flow is too slow
Move slightly coarser.
Grind Continuum
FineEspresso-style
Medium-fineMoka pot, AeroPress
MediumPour-over, drip, reusable pods
CoarseFrench press, cold brew
Method Reference
| Method | Starting texture | Flow or contact clue | Taste correction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso-style | Fine | A short extraction should not gush or stall | Fast and sharp: finer. Slow and harsh: coarser. |
| Moka pot | Fine to medium-fine | Coffee should rise steadily without sputtering early | Thin: slightly finer. Harsh: slightly coarser or lower heat. |
| AeroPress | Medium-fine | Match grind to recipe time and agitation | Thin: finer. Dry or harsh: coarser. |
| Pour-over | Medium-fine to medium | Water should drain steadily without racing or stalling | Sharp and fast: finer. Dry and slow: coarser. |
| Drip coffee | Medium | The basket should drain without overflow | Weak: slightly finer or more coffee. Harsh: coarser. |
| Reusable pod | Medium | Avoid powder-fine coffee that restricts flow | Thin: add dose before grinding much finer. |
| French press | Coarse | The plunger should move with steady resistance | Thin: more coffee first. Muddy: coarser and press gently. |
| Cold brew | Coarse | Grounds should filter cleanly after a long steep | Thin after dilution: more coffee or longer contact. |
Three Rules That Prevent Random Adjustments
- Change only one variable between brews.
- Use the same coffee dose and water amount while evaluating grind.
- Judge the result by flow, contact time, and taste together.
Grind Cannot Replace Roast Choice
Grind changes extraction. It does not erase a roast's underlying direction. When the recipe is repeatable but the cup still feels brighter, deeper, or lighter-bodied than you want, compare roast profiles.