Coffee Ratio LabCold Brew Dilution Calculator: Concentrate to Drink in Seconds
To dilute a 1:5 cold brew concentrate to a typical drinking strength of about 1:12, mix roughly 1 part concentrate with 1.4 parts water or milk. In general, concentrate volume = drink volume × concentrate ratio ÷ target ratio.
Ice adds water as it melts, so the calculator uses less diluent when you pick ice. Taste and adjust — every concentrate extracts a little differently.
How the dilution math works
A concentrate made at 1:5 contains far more coffee per milliliter than a normal drink. To bring it to your preferred strength, the calculator uses: concentrate = glass size × concentrate ratio ÷ target ratio. The rest of the glass is water, milk or ice.
| Concentrate | Target strength | Concentrate : diluent |
|---|---|---|
| 1:4 | 1:12 | 1 : 2 |
| 1:5 | 1:10 | 1 : 1 |
| 1:5 | 1:12 | 1 : 1.4 |
| 1:5 | 1:15 | 1 : 2 |
| 1:6 | 1:12 | 1 : 1 |
Need to make the concentrate first? Follow our cold brew ratio guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much water do I add to cold brew concentrate?
For a 1:5 concentrate, start with equal parts concentrate and water for a strong drink, or 1 part concentrate to 1.5–2 parts water for a lighter one.
Can I dilute cold brew with milk?
Yes. Milk counts as diluent in the same way as water, and makes a smooth iced latte-style drink.
Should I count ice when diluting?
Yes, if the drink will sit for a while. Melting ice adds water, so use a bit less water up front.
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