Wondering how much coffee you need for a double espresso? Every home barista and many coffee professionals face this question. Most modern espresso recipes use between 18 and 21 grams of ground coffee for a double shot. Usually, 19 grams is a typical amount, giving you about 38 grams of espresso liquid using a 1:2 brew ratio. However, the “right” amount will depend on several factors, not just a set rule. Espresso brewing combines small details to make a balanced and tasty shot, and the ideal dose can change based on things like the grind size, roast type, and personal taste.
Knowing this range and why it’s important can help you make better double espressos every time. Choosing the right dose is about more than just picking a number; it’s about seeing how this number fits with your brewing process. Everything, from how fine you grind the beans to how dark or light the roast is, changes the final taste of your espresso.
Recommended Coffee Dose Range
For a double espresso, most people use between 18 and 21 grams of ground coffee. Experienced baristas and home coffee makers alike generally stick within this range. For example, a VST 18-gram basket works best when filled with about 16 to 20 grams of coffee. The VST 20-gram basket is often chosen for double shots, holding up to 20 grams.
Traditionally, Italian espresso called for 7 grams for a single shot, which would mean 14 grams for a double. Outside of Italy, higher doses have become common as people look for different flavors or extraction results. So, while 18-21 grams is a widely accepted guideline, you might see some variations.
| Basket Type | Suggested Coffee Dose (g) |
|---|---|
| VST 18g Basket | 16-20 |
| VST 20g Basket | 18-21 |
| Traditional European Double | 14 |
Why the Amount of Coffee Matters
The amount of ground coffee you use, called the “dose,” is a major part of brewing espresso. It affects how strong your coffee is, how it feels in your mouth, and its overall taste. If you use less coffee, the shot will be weaker. Using too much can make the espresso taste harsh, bitter, or make the machine struggle to push water through the coffee.
Dosing also helps create an even, flat puck (the tamped-down coffee in the basket). If you use too little coffee, water will rush through and under-extract, making the shot taste sour or weak. If you use too much, water can’t flow smoothly, leading to uneven extraction and bitterness. Using an amount of coffee that fits your basket will help you get a tastier drink more often.
Factors That Affect the Right Dose
Several things can change how much coffee you should use for your double espresso. Espresso brewing has a few main variables working together, and getting to know them is helpful for making great coffee each time.
Portafilter Basket Sizes
Your basket size is one of the biggest reasons to use either more or less ground coffee. Each basket is made to work best with a certain amount. For example, a typical “double” basket can take 16 to 18 grams, while a “triple” basket can hold 20-22 grams. If you use too much coffee for your basket, the grounds can touch the espresso machine’s shower screen and mess up the extraction. Putting too little coffee in a big basket leads to a loose “puck,” making a watery shot. Stick close to what your basket is built for-usually staying within ±2 grams of its size.
| Basket Type | Recommended Dose (g) |
|---|---|
| Double basket | 16-18 |
| Triple basket | 20-22 |
Grind Size and Extraction
The grind size of your coffee works together with your dose. Finer grinds slow the water down, and coarser grinds let water move through quickly. If the water flows through too fast, try using a finer grind. If it moves too slow and tastes bitter, use a coarser grind. The aim is usually to get a double espresso out in about 25-30 seconds. Even with the right amount of coffee, a wrong grind size can ruin the shot.
Coffee Freshness and Roast Level
Fresh coffee beans behave differently than older ones. If your beans are fresh (within a few weeks of roasting), they have more CO₂, affecting crema and flow. As the beans age, they lose gas, which can make the extraction faster and the shot thinner. This might need a finer grind to keep your shot on target. Roast level also matters. Darker roasts extract faster and might taste bitter if you use too much coffee or grind too fine. Lighter roasts can need more coffee or a finer grind to bring out the best taste.
What Is the Best Brew Ratio for Double Espresso?
The brew ratio compares the weight of dry ground coffee to the weight of liquid espresso you get in your cup. This ratio helps you decide how strong or mild your espresso will be.
Typical Espresso Brew Ratios
Ratios are usually written as grams of coffee in : grams of espresso out. For double shots, 1:2 is the most popular. This means if you put 19 grams of coffee in, you’ll want about 38 grams of espresso liquid out.
- Ristretto (1:1 – 1:1.5): Very strong, thick, and short in amount. 19 grams coffee gives 19-28.5 grams espresso.
- Normale/Espresso (1:1.5 – 1:2.5): Covers most standard doubles.
- Lungo (1:3 – 1:4): Larger, weaker shot with more water. 19 grams in, 57-76 grams out.
These ratios are not strict rules. Try different ones to see what suits your beans and taste. Some coffee bags even suggest a brew ratio as a good place to start.
How Ratios Change Taste and Strength
More concentrated (lower) ratios like 1:1 give a richer, thicker espresso. This works well with dark or bold roasts, or if you want a strong shot to mix with milk. Using more water (a higher ratio, like 1:3) makes the espresso lighter and can bring out new flavors, especially in lighter roasts. Try different ratios to find what you enjoy most. The right strength helps the espresso shine, even in drinks with milk.
Why Use a Scale for Double Espresso?
Using a scale every time you make espresso helps you get the same results again and again. Without weighing your coffee and espresso, you can’t really know what’s changing if something goes wrong. Volume alone can be unpredictable because different beans and grind sizes can change how much fits into a scoop, and crema can make shots look bigger than they are. Measuring dose and yield by weight makes it much easier to adjust recipes and get the shot you like every time.
How to Make a Double Espresso: Step-by-Step
Making a good double espresso gets easier with practice. Here’s a simple guide:
Measuring and Dosing
- Heat up your machine and make sure your portafilter is clean and warm.
- Put your portafilter (with the correct basket for double shots) on a digital scale and zero it out.
- Grind fresh coffee into the portafilter-18 to 21 grams is the target. Use the same amount every time.
- Spread the grounds evenly and gently tap or use a tool to get the coffee level. This helps avoid uneven water flow.
- Tamp the coffee firmly and evenly to form a flat puck. Aim for a consistent pressure each time.
Extraction Time and Yield
- Flush some water through the machine to heat the grouphead and keep things clean.
- Lock the portafilter in. Put your cup on a scale under the spouts and start your timer.
- Brew your espresso, aiming for 38-42 grams out if you start with 19-21 grams of coffee.
- Watch the extraction. It should begin dark and thick, then get lighter. Stop just as the flow changes color (“blonding”) or when you hit your target weight.
- If your shot comes out too fast (<25 seconds), try using a finer grind. If it’s too slow (>30 seconds), try a coarser grind. Taste and adjust as you go.
| Step | Target |
|---|---|
| Dose | 18-21 g |
| Yield | 38-42 g |
| Time | 25-30 sec |
Double Espresso Questions and Quick Fixes
Even when you know the basics, making espresso can lead to questions. Here are some common things people ask and what to do when your espresso isn’t tasting right.
Can I Use More or Less Coffee Than the Standard?
Yes, you can! The standard 18-21 grams is just a guideline. Use a little more or less to match your basket, beans, or taste. For example, lighter roasts sometimes work better with a higher dose, and some very dark or old-school beans may do fine with less. Changing your dose will affect your brew ratio and how the shot tastes, so you’ll also need to adjust the grind if you make a big change.
Should I Change Dose or Grind Size?
When espresso isn’t coming out right, first check if you’re using the dose your basket was designed for. If you are, then it’s best to adjust the grind size to fix problems like too-fast or too-slow extractions. If the shot time is correct but the taste isn’t, try tweaking the coffee amount-raise it a bit for more strength or lower it for a milder shot-and adjust the grind slightly as well, if needed. Getting great espresso often means small, careful changes and tasting as you go.
