Coffee and tea brewing tool

Brewing Time Calculator for Coffee and Tea

Find a recommended brewing time based on your beverage, preferred strength and water volume.

Use the calculator

How to use the brewing time calculator

Choose your beverage, select your preferred strength and enter the approximate amount of water. The calculator will provide a recommended starting point for your brewing time.

Three simple steps

1

Choose your beverage

Select tea or coffee from the calculator.

2

Select the strength

Choose light, medium or strong according to your preference.

3

Start the brew timer

Use the recommended time or adjust it to suit your taste.

Brewing time guidelines

Coffee brewing times

  • French press: 4–6 minutes
  • Pour-over: 2.5–4 minutes
  • Espresso: 25–35 seconds
  • Cold brew: 12–18 hours

These are useful starting points. Grind size, water temperature and coffee-to-water ratio can change the ideal brewing time.

Tea brewing times

  • Green tea: 2–3 minutes
  • Black tea: 3–5 minutes
  • Oolong tea: 3–4 minutes
  • Herbal tea: 5–7 minutes

Tea type, leaf size and water temperature all affect the final flavour and strength.

Why brewing time matters

Brewing time controls how much flavour is extracted from coffee grounds or tea leaves. If the brewing time is too short, the drink may taste weak or under-extracted. If it is too long, it may become bitter, harsh or overly strong.

Use the calculator as a starting point, then make small adjustments until you find the flavour and strength you prefer.

Practical brewing tips

Use fresh water

Fresh, filtered water can improve the clarity and flavour of your drink.

Keep your measurements consistent

Use a consistent beverage-to-water ratio so you can repeat good results.

Change one variable at a time

Adjust the time, temperature or grind size separately so you know what improved the flavour.

Record what works

Make a note of successful settings so you can recreate your favourite brew.

Brewing time FAQs

Is the recommended brewing time exact?

No. It is a helpful starting point. Personal taste, water temperature, grind size and beverage type can all affect the ideal brewing time.

Does more water require more brewing time?

The calculator makes a simple adjustment based on water volume. You can still adjust the result to suit your preferred strength.

Can I use this as a brew timer?

Yes. After calculating a recommended time, select Start Brew Timer to begin the countdown.