Getting the grind size right is one of the simplest ways to improve your coffee. The basic rule is easy: the finer the grind, the more quickly water extracts flavour; the coarser the grind, the more slowly it extracts. Match the grind to your brewing method, then make small adjustments based on taste.

Coffee grind size chart

• Extra fine: Turkish coffee
• Fine: Espresso
• Medium-fine: AeroPress and some pour-over recipes
• Medium: V60 and other filter brewers
• Medium-coarse: Chemex and some immersion brewers
• Coarse: French press and cold brew

What grind size should you use for espresso?

Espresso usually needs a fine grind because the water passes through the coffee under pressure in a short time. If the shot runs too quickly and tastes sour or thin, grind finer. If it drips slowly and tastes bitter or dry, grind coarser. Change the setting in small steps.

What grind size is best for a V60?

Start with a medium grind, somewhere around fine sand. If your V60 brew finishes very quickly and tastes sharp, try a finer grind. If it takes too long or tastes harsh, try a coarser grind. Your dose, pouring style, filter and water all affect the result, so treat the grind as a starting point rather than a fixed rule.

For a practical starting recipe, try 20g of coffee to 300g of water and aim for a brew time of roughly three minutes.

What grind size should you use for an AeroPress?

AeroPress recipes can use anything from fine to medium-coarse, depending on the recipe and steep time. A short brew usually benefits from a finer grind, while a longer immersion recipe can work well with a coarser grind. Start at medium-fine and adjust from there.

What grind size is best for French press?

Use a coarse grind with a French press. Very fine particles can make the cup muddy and increase bitterness. If the coffee tastes weak, try a slightly finer grind or a longer steep. If it tastes bitter or silty, go coarser and pour more gently.

What grind size should you use for cold brew?

Cold brew is usually made with a coarse grind because the coffee sits in water for many hours. A coarse grind makes filtering easier and helps keep the concentrate smooth. If your cold brew tastes weak, adjust the coffee-to-water ratio before making a dramatic grind change.

Why a burr grinder helps

A burr grinder produces more consistent particles than a basic blade grinder, which makes extraction easier to control. For a simple hand-grinding option, see the Hario Mini Mill PLUS. If you mainly brew filter coffee, the FELLOW ODE Brew Grinder Gen 2 is designed for that style. For espresso, explore the Macap Leo 55 Essential.

How to adjust your grind by taste

Make one change at a time. A sour, sharp or thin cup often needs more extraction, so try grinding finer, using hotter water or brewing for longer. A bitter, dry or harsh cup often needs less extraction, so try grinding coarser, using slightly cooler water or brewing for less time.

Keep notes as you experiment. The best grind size depends on the coffee, roast, water and equipment, but this guide will get you close quickly.