How to Make Cold Brew Coffee (Concentrate or Ready-to-Drink)
How to make cold brew coffee at home in a jar: ratios for concentrate and ready-to-drink, steep times, filtering, dilution, storage and troubleshooting.
Updated September 26, 2026
Cold Brew Ratio Calculator: Coffee, Water & Yield
Tell us how many drinks you want and how strong you like them. We’ll calculate the coffee and water you need — including the water the grounds soak up.
Cold brew calculator
Coarse ground coffee
414 g
≈ 14.6 oz · 4.9 cups of whole beans
Cold water
70 fl oz
≈ 8.8 US cups
You’ll get
≈ 42 fl oz
of concentrate + 42 fl oz water/milk
Dilute about 1:1 with water or milk. Grind extra coarse, then steep 12–18 hours in the fridge (16–18 for the fullest flavor) or 12–16 hours at room temperature, and filter. The grounds soak up roughly twice their weight in water, which this calculator accounts for. Whole-bean volume is a rough estimate (~85 g per US cup).
Concentrate vs. ready-to-drink
Concentrate (1:4 to 1:5) is brewed extra strong so it takes up less fridge space; you dilute each glass with water, milk or ice. Ready-to-drink cold brew (around 1:8) is brewed at drinking strength and poured straight over ice. Concentrate is more flexible; ready-to-drink is simpler.
Basic cold brew method
- Grind coffee extra coarse — like cracked peppercorns or coarse sea salt.
- Combine coffee and cold, filtered water in a jar or cold brew maker. Stir to wet all the grounds.
- Cover and steep 12–18 hours in the fridge (16–18 for the fullest flavor).
- Filter through a cold brew filter, paper filter or fine mesh + cloth.
- Dilute to taste and serve over ice.
Want the full walkthrough with troubleshooting? Read our cold brew guide, or see our picks for the best cold brew makers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best ratio for cold brew?
For concentrate, 1:4 to 1:5 by weight is common, diluted with water or milk before drinking. For ready-to-drink cold brew, use around 1:8.
How long should cold brew steep?
Steep 12 to 18 hours in the refrigerator (16 to 18 for the fullest flavor), or 12 to 16 hours at room temperature. Longer steeps extract more but can taste woody or bitter.
How much coffee do I need for 1 gallon of cold brew?
For ready-to-drink cold brew at 1:8 you need roughly 470 g (about 1 lb) of coarsely ground coffee per gallon of water. For concentrate at 1:5 you would need about 750 g.
How long does cold brew last in the fridge?
Concentrate generally keeps well for up to about 1–2 weeks sealed in the refrigerator, though flavor is best in the first week. Diluted cold brew is best within a few days.
What grind size is best for cold brew?
Extra coarse, like cracked peppercorns or coarse sea salt. Fine grinds make filtering hard and can taste muddy.
Related guides
The Best Cold Brew Makers for Home
The best cold brew maker for your fridge and routine: big-batch concentrate systems and simple pitchers compared, plus how to pick filter type and size.
Updated September 26, 2026
How Much Caffeine Is in Coffee?
How much caffeine is in coffee? About 95 mg per 8 oz cup. See charts for espresso, cold brew, decaf and cup sizes, plus daily limits and a caffeine calculator.
Updated September 26, 2026
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