Guide
Coffee Grind Size Chart
Use this coffee grind size chart to match espresso, pour over, French press, AeroPress, moka pot, drip coffee and cold brew.
On This Page7 Sections
Quick Answer
Use extra-fine powder for Turkish coffee, fine grind for espresso, medium-fine for V60 and pour over, medium for drip coffee, medium-coarse for Chemex and French press, and very coarse grind for cold brew. Treat every chart as a starting point because grinders, beans and recipes differ.
Key Takeaways
- 1Grind size controls how quickly water extracts flavor from coffee.
- 2Too coarse usually tastes sour, weak or hollow; too fine usually tastes bitter, heavy or slow.
- 3Use the chart to start, then adjust by taste and brew time.
Grind size is one of the highest-impact brewing variables. It changes contact surface area, flow rate and extraction speed. That is why the same coffee can taste bright and sweet in one brew, then bitter and muddy in another.
The goal is not to memorize every setting. The goal is to match grind size to contact time and flow.
Coffee Grind Size Chart
How To Diagnose Grind Problems
Why Grinder Settings Are Not Universal
A "setting 12" on one grinder may be completely different from "setting 12" on another. Burr geometry, calibration, bean density, roast level and grind retention all change the result.
That is why this page uses texture and taste, not only numbers. If your grinder has numbers, record your own settings for each brew method.
Roast Level Matters
Light roasts are often denser and may need a slightly finer grind or longer contact time. Dark roasts are more brittle and may need a slightly coarser grind to avoid bitterness.
What To Read Next
Use this chart with Coffee Grind Size Guide, Coffee Extraction Guide, Coffee to Water Ratio Guide, Coffee Grinder Guide and Coffee Grinder Guide.
Bottom Line
Use the chart to get close, then let taste decide the final setting. Grind size is not an aesthetic choice. It is the main control that determines whether water extracts enough flavor, too little flavor or too much bitterness.