Coffee to Milk Ratio Chart (Espresso + Regular Coffee)
This coffee to milk ratio chart shows standard proportions for popular coffee drinks. Use it to make your coffee stronger, creamier, or closer to café-style—without guessing.
Quick tip: If you’re using espresso, the “coffee” part is usually 1 shot (about 30 ml). If you’re using brewed coffee, start with a normal cup (about 240 ml) and adjust milk to taste.
Quick Coffee : Milk Ratio Chart (Most Common Drinks)
If you just want the classic ratios, start here. (Foam is listed separately because it changes texture more than “milk volume.”)
| Drink | Coffee : Milk | Foam | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cortado | 1 : 1 | None | Balanced and strong; microfoam is minimal. |
| Flat White | 1 : 2 | Thin microfoam | Silky texture; “stronger latte” vibe. |
| Latte | 1 : 3–4 | Thin layer | Milk-forward; best for flavored lattes. |
| Cappuccino | 1 : 1 | More foam than latte | Traditionally split between espresso, steamed milk, and foam. |
| Mocha | 1 : 2–3 | Optional | Add chocolate (syrup/powder) before milk. |
| Macchiato | Mostly coffee | None | Just a “mark” (dollop) of milk/foam. |
| Café au lait (brewed coffee) | 1 : 1 | None | Brewing method is coffee—not espresso. |
Full Coffee Drink Ratio Chart
This expanded chart includes espresso-only drinks, water-based drinks, and “hybrid” drinks like red eyes.
| Coffee Drink | Coffee (Espresso or Regular) | Coffee : Milk Ratio | Foam | Water | Other Components |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | 1 shot (30 ml) | None | None | None | None |
| Ristretto | 1 short shot (15–20 ml) | None | None | None | None |
| Lungo | 1 long shot (about 60 ml) | None | None | None | None |
| Americano | 1 shot (30 ml) | None | None | Hot water, to taste | None |
| Cappuccino | 1 shot (30 ml) | 1 : 1 | Yes (more foam) | None | None |
| Latte | 1 shot (30 ml) | 1 : 3–4 | Thin layer | None | None |
| Flat White | 1–2 shots (30–60 ml) | 1 : 2 | Thin microfoam | None | None |
| Macchiato | 1 shot (30 ml) | “Marked” (small amount) | None | None | None |
| Mocha | 1 shot (30 ml) | 1 : 2–3 | Optional | None | Chocolate syrup/powder |
| Cortado | 1 shot (30 ml) | 1 : 1 | None | None | None |
| Affogato | 1 shot (30 ml) | None | None | None | Vanilla ice cream |
| Red Eye | Regular coffee | None | None | None | + 1 shot espresso |
| Black Eye | Regular coffee | None | None | None | + 2 shots espresso |
| Doppio | 2 shots (60 ml) | None | None | None | None |
| Irish Coffee | Regular coffee | None | Cream top | None | Irish whiskey, sugar |
| Espresso con Panna | 1 shot (30 ml) | None | None | None | Whipped cream |
| Espresso Romano | 1 shot (30 ml) | None | None | None | Lemon slice |
| Piccolo Latte | 1 ristretto (15–20 ml) | 1 : 1–2 | None | None | None |
| Regular Coffee | Brewed coffee (240 ml) | To preference | None | None | Optional sweeteners |
Note: Coffee drinks vary by café and region. This chart reflects common “standard” builds that work well for most home setups.
Common Sizes + Quick Conversions
| Item | Approx. Volume |
|---|---|
| Espresso shot | 30 ml (about 1 oz) |
| Doppio (double) | 60 ml (about 2 oz) |
| Standard brewed coffee cup | 240 ml (about 8 oz) |
| 12 oz drink | 355 ml |
| 16 oz drink | 473 ml |
Easy scaling: Choose your coffee amount first, then multiply milk based on the ratio. Example: 2 shots espresso (60 ml) in a latte at 1:3 → ~180 ml milk.
How to Adjust Coffee-to-Milk Ratios (Stronger vs Creamier)
- Too strong? Increase milk by 10–20% (or add a thin layer of foam for perceived sweetness).
- Too milky? Reduce milk or use a smaller cup size; keep coffee constant.
- Watery americano? Use less water and/or pull a slightly longer shot (lungo) instead.
- Iced drinks taste weaker? Ice melts—start with a slightly stronger coffee base or less milk.
- Milk type matters: Whole milk tastes richer; oat milk often tastes sweeter; skim milk can feel “thinner.”
FAQ: Coffee to Milk Ratio Chart
What’s the best coffee-to-milk ratio for a latte?
A classic latte is usually around 1:3 to 1:4 (coffee:milk) with a thin foam layer.
What ratio is a cappuccino?
A common starting point is 1:1 coffee to milk, but cappuccinos also include more foam than lattes—so texture is the bigger difference.
What’s the difference between a flat white and a latte?
Flat whites typically use less milk (often around 1:2) and focus on silky microfoam. Lattes are more milk-forward (often 1:3–1:4).
How do I use this chart if I don’t measure in ml?
Use “parts.” Example: a 1:3 latte means 1 part coffee + 3 parts milk. If your coffee is 2 oz, your milk is ~6 oz.
Does the ratio change for iced coffee?
Often, yes. Ice dilution can make drinks taste weaker, so many people start with slightly stronger coffee or slightly less milk.
Printable Tip
If you make coffee often, bookmark this page—or print the “Quick Coffee : Milk Ratio Chart” section and keep it near your machine.