Coffee Guide: How to grind coffee beans (the right grind size for coffee)

Grinding coffee beans is one of the most important factors influencing how coffee tastes in your cup. Even small differences in grind size can affect how the coffee is extracted and therefore the final flavor.

If the coffee is ground too coarse, the result can taste thin and weak. If it is ground too fine, the coffee may become bitter and over-extracted.

In this guide we explain how to grind coffee beans, which grind size works best for different brewing methods, and how to get the best results at home.

Why grind size matters

When brewing coffee, water extracts flavor compounds from the coffee grounds. How quickly this happens depends partly on how finely the coffee is ground.

• Fine grind → larger surface area in contact with water

• Coarse grind → smaller surface area

This means that different brewing methods require different grind sizes.

Brewing methods where water passes quickly through the coffee, such as espresso, require a finer grind. Methods where the coffee stays in contact with water for longer require a coarser grind.

Different grind sizes

Here is a simple overview of common coffee grind sizes.

Coarse grind

A coarse grind looks similar to coarse sea salt.

Suitable for:

• French press

• Cold brew

Because the coffee stays in contact with the water for a long time, a coarser grind is needed.

Medium-coarse grind

Medium-coarse grind resembles coarse sand.

Suitable for:

• pour over

• Chemex

• some filter brewing methods

If you want to learn more about this brewing method, you can also read our guide on how to brew pour over coffee.

Medium grind

Medium grind is commonly used for filter coffee in standard coffee makers.

The texture is similar to regular sand.

Fine grind

Fine grind is mainly used for espresso.

The coffee is ground roughly as fine as granulated sugar or fine sand.

Espresso requires a fine grind because water passes through the coffee very quickly under high pressure.

How to grind coffee at home

The best way to grind coffee at home is to use a coffee grinder and grind the beans just before brewing.

There are two main types of coffee grinders.

Blade grinders

Blade grinders chop the coffee rather than grinding it evenly, which can lead to inconsistent results.

Burr grinders

Burr grinders grind the coffee more evenly and allow better control over the grind size.

For anyone who brews coffee regularly, a burr grinder is usually the better option.

Tips for better grinding

A few simple tips can make a big difference to the flavor:

• grind coffee just before brewing

• adjust the grind size to the brewing method

• use fresh coffee beans

If your coffee tastes too bitter, try using a slightly coarser grind.

If the coffee tastes weak or thin, try grinding a little finer.

Frequently asked questions about grinding coffee

How coarse should coffee be ground?

It depends on the brewing method. French press requires a coarse grind, while espresso requires a very fine grind.

Is it better to grind coffee yourself?

Yes. Freshly ground coffee retains more aromas and usually results in better flavor in the cup.

How long does ground coffee stay fresh?

Ground coffee loses its aroma much faster than whole beans. For the best flavor, it is recommended to grind the coffee just before brewing.

Fresh beans and the right grind

Grind size is important, but the quality of the coffee also plays a big role.

At our roastery in Småland we roast coffee in small batches. For the best results, we recommend using fresh coffee beans and grinding them just before brewing.

See all our coffee guides

Find our coffee here

At our roastery in Småland we roast coffee in small batches.
Here you can find our full range of coffee beans.