Coffee Grind Size Guide for Drip, BUNN, French Press & Pour-Over

Choosing the right coffee grind helps water flow through the grounds at an appropriate speed. The ideal setting depends on your brewer, filter, coffee, and taste. Use this guide as a starting point, then follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Which grind should you choose?

Brewing method	Starting grind	What to watch
Commercial commercial drip / airpot	Medium, commercial-drip	Match your basket and filter; avoid overly fine grounds that slow drainage
Home drip coffee maker	Medium	Adjust for basket shape and brew time
Pour-over	Medium to medium-fine	Adjust to dripper and filter
French press	Coarse	Helps reduce fine sediment
Cold brew immersion	Coarse	Typically easier to filter after steeping
Espresso	Fine, dialed in	Requires adjustments specific to your espresso machine

Tip: Ounces of ground coffee refer to weight, not fluid volume. A kitchen scale is more reliable than scoops because different grinds and roasts occupy different volumes.

How do I know the grind is wrong?

Slow brewing, clogging, or excessive sediment: the grind may be too fine for the filter and brewer. Fast brewing and weak coffee: the grind may be too coarse, or the dose may be too low. Grind is only one variable; dose, water temperature, and brew time also matter.

Choosing coffee for church airpots

For commercial drip brewing, start with a grind appropriate for your brewer model and filter. Keep the grind and coffee dose consistent so volunteers can repeat a good batch. See our airpot brewing guide for batch measurements.

Quick troubleshooting checklist

• Grounds overflowing the filter? Confirm the basket and paper filter are compatible with your brewer; try a slightly coarser grind and check the batch size.
• Weak coffee? Weigh the dose in grams or ounces by weight before changing the grind.
• Different taste every batch? Record the grinder setting, coffee dose, and water volume.

For an airpot recipe, start with 150 g (5.3 oz by weight) for 2.5 liters of brew water, if that batch size is supported by your equipment. See the airpot brewing guide.

Whole bean or ground?

Whole beans generally preserve aroma longer when stored properly, but pre-ground coffee can make large-scale church or office service more convenient. Choose the grind that matches your equipment and ordering needs.