Coffee Grinds: Types, Sizes, and Brewing Methods

Coffee grinds are small, coarse or fine particles of ground coffee beans that are prepared for brewing. Seven coffee grind sizes range from extra coarse to extra fine. Each coffee grind size differs in texture, particle size in microns, and appearance. They also vary in how fast water flows through them, how much surface area is exposed for extraction, how much resistance they create to water, and how evenly they extract flavor depending on the brewing method used.

Each brewing method requires a specific grind size. French press, espresso, and pour-over use different grinds suited to their technique, equipment, and recipe for best results. The best place to buy fresh coffee grinds is a specialty coffee roasters. They roast and grind on-site for maximum freshness and quality. There’s a belief that grinding your own coffee is cheaper, but quality pre-ground often costs the same. It is always better to match grind size to your brewing method. Without a grinder, use household tools or visit shops that provide grinding services.

The following table compares seven coffee grind sizes by their particle measurements in microns and millimeters, along with best brewing methods for easy reference.

What are Coffee Grinds?

Coffee grinds are small, coarse or fine particles of ground coffee beans that are prepared for brewing. The main difference between coffee grinds and coffee grounds is that “grinds” refers to the texture or size level produced during grinding, while “grounds” refers to the actual coffee particles, either used or unused, after the grinding process. "Grinds" describes form; "grounds" describes substance.

Coffee grinds are made by using commercial or home grinders to crush whole beans into the desired size. Coffee grinders fall into two types: blade and burr grinders. Blade grinders use spinning blades to chop coffee into smaller particles, with grind size controlled by time. Burr grinders use two sharp-toothed discs—flat or conical—made from ceramic or stainless steel. Their grind level and consistency is controlled by the distance between the burrs. Grind consistency is the uniformity of particle size after grinding. Consistent grinds allow even extraction and balanced flavor, while inconsistent grinds cause over-extraction of fine particles and under-extraction of coarse ones, leading to bitterness or weak coffee.

Different coffee grinds—coarse, medium, fine, and extra fine—match specific brewing methods like French press, drip coffee, cold brew, moka pot, espresso, Keurig, percolators, and Turkish coffee. The correct coffee grind for each brewing method is determined by measuring grind size, the average particle diameter, and grind distribution, the range and frequency of particle sizes in a sample. Common tools for measuring grind size include sieves, laser diffraction devices, and digital imaging systems.

What are the Different Types of Coffee Grinds?

Different types of coffee grinds refer to the various sizes of ground coffee used for brewing methods. The main seven grind types are extra coarse, coarse, medium-coarse, medium, medium-fine, fine, and extra fine. Coarse grinds suit French press; medium grinds work best for drip machines; fine grinds are ideal for espresso. Grind size affects flavor and extraction. The following list shows seven main types of coffee grinds.

1. Extra Coarse Ground Coffee
2. Coarse Ground Coffee
3. Medium-Coarse Ground Coffee
4. Medium Ground Coffee
5. Medium-Fine Ground Coffee
6. Fine Ground Coffee
7. Extra Fine Ground Coffee

1. Extra-Coarse Grind Coffee

Extra-coarse grind coffee is a type of coffee grind with extra-large, chunky particles that are similar to peppercorns or rock salt. Extra-coarse grind size measures 1200 to 1600 microns and is the largest setting on most commercial grinders. This grind works for steeping methods. It needs 12 to 24 hours of soaking to pull out the flavor from the coffee. Large particles allow quick extraction, but water must flow through them for a long time. Extra coarse coffee fails for espresso because its large particles block extraction under pressure, resulting in weak coffee. The best way to get an extra coarse grind is by using a good burr grinder. Blenders and food processors grind unevenly, which can make the coffee taste bad and brew poorly.

2. Coarse Grind Coffee

Coarse grind coffee is ground to a large particle size like sea salt. Its visible, chunky particles allow even water flow and prevent bitterness. This grind size works best for full immersion brewing because it needs more time to steep the coffee so it can pull out the flavor. The particle size usually ranges from 1000 to 1200 microns. Coarse ground coffee is unsuitable for drip brewing or espresso machines, which need finer grinds for optimal flavor. Use a burr grinder to make a consistent coarse grind in 10 to 15 seconds. You can make a coarse grind without a special grinder, but ninja blenders or food processors often produce unconsistent results.

3. Medium-Coarse Grind Coffee

Medium-coarse grind coffee is a balanced grind between fine and coarse, typically measuring 800 to 1000 microns (0.8 to 1.0 mm). The particles in medium coarse grind coffee are larger than drip coffee grinds but smaller than coarse ones. This rough texture helps extract flavor evenly during brewing. Medium-coarse ground coffee suits filter brewing because it extracts flavor without clogging. Espresso needs finer grounds for pressure and extraction. Turkish coffee also requires an extra fine grind, which makes medium-coarse too coarse. Use a burr grinder to grind medium-coarse coffee evenly and with control. Top options include the Baratza Encore and Breville Smart Grinder Pro. Grinding takes 10 to 15 seconds, depending on speed, and helps prevent over-grinding.

4. Medium Grind Coffee

Medium grind coffee, or drip grind coffee, is a grind size measuring 600 to 800 microns, with an even texture like granulated sugar. It is suitable for drip brewing methods and keuring single serve pods. Medium ground coffee extracts flavor efficiently and creates a balanced taste. It works well with manual and automatic coffee brewing because it produces smooth, easy-to-drink coffee. Medium ground coffee doesn’t work well for espresso or Turkish coffee. These methods need finer grinds to get the right flavor. Use a burr grinder for medium ground coffee for grind consistency. If no grinder is available, tools like a Magic Bullet or Nutribullet can work, but may not produce uniform grinds.

5. Medium-Fine Grind Coffee

Medium-fine grind coffee is between medium and fine in size. It is great for pour-over, Vietnamese coffee, and AeroPress because it gives a balanced flavor. The coffee particles are about 400 to 600 microns and feel soft and a little sandy. Medium-fine ground coffee is a bad idea for total immersion brewing because its small particles can slip through filters and make the brew gritty, overly strong, and bitter. The best grinder for medium-fine coffee is a burr grinder, which produces a consistent, uniform grind. Models like the HSD-ROC-SD Rocky and the Fellow Ode Brew Grinder offer precise control over grind settings.

6. Fine Grind Coffee

Fine ground coffee means beans ground to 200–400 microns, like powdered sugar. This grind works best for pressure brewing. The small coffee pieces have more surface area, so they release flavor quickly. Avoid using fine ground coffee in French press or cold brew, as it can clog filters and cause bitterness. Manual burr grinders like the Baratza Sette 30 and Rancilio Rocky produce a consistent fine grind. Grind coffee beans for 20 to 30 seconds to get the right texture and full flavor for brewing.

7. Extra-Fine Ground Coffee

Extra-fine ground coffee is a grind with 100–200 micron particles that allow fast brewing. It has a powdery texture like flour. This texture improves flavor when using ibrik brewing method. Extra fine ground coffee supports fast extraction. But it doesn’t work with French press or drip methods. These methods need more time to extract flavor, and fine grounds can cause bitterness. Use a burr grinder set to the finest level to create this grind. Grind coffee beans for an espresso shot in 20 to 30 seconds. If you don’t have a grinder, it’s better to have beans ground at a shop. Blenders or food processors don’t grind evenly enough.

What is Coffee Grind Size?

Coffee grind size is the coarseness or fineness of ground particles and directly affects flavor, strength, clarity, and extraction. It controls how fast water dissolves flavor compounds through surface area and contact time. Coffee surface area is the total exposed area of ground coffee particles. More surface area speeds up extraction, so finer grounds extract faster and coarser grounds extract slower. Contact time is how long water touches coffee grounds during brewing.

Coffee grind size is measured in microns (μm), using the Greek letter mu (μ) followed by “m” to represent meters. This measurement unit expresses the average diameter of coffee particles, a single coffee ground. Instead of “big” or “small,” grind sizes are described as “coarse” or “fine.” Commercial grinders offer settings from extra coarse (around 1600 microns) to extra fine (under 200 microns) for consistent control.

Each brewing method requires a specific grind size. French press, espresso, and pour-over use different grinds suited to their technique, equipment, and recipe for best results. In vertical-flow brew methods like pour over or espresso, grind size affects how coffee particles pack together and changes water flow. Finer grinds interlock tightly, slow water movement, and increase extraction rate. In immersion methods like French press or cold brew, grind size influences steeping time and particle separation, with coarser grinds allowing longer extraction without over-extracting.

What are the Coffee Grind Sizes for Different Brewing Methods?

Brewing methods like French press, espresso, cold brew, pour over, drip, Moka pot, percolator, AeroPress, and Turkish coffee each require a specific grind size.

• French Press Coffee Grind Size: French Press coffee uses a coarse grind. The large coffee pieces let water flow through slowly without blocking the filter. This helps the coffee brew well and keeps grounds out of your cup. Medium ground coffee is usually too fine, which can make the coffee taste bitter or feel gritty. If the grind is too fine, it can also clog the plunger and make the brew taste muddy.
• Espresso Grind Size: The best coffee grind for espresso is fine, which allows proper pressure, extraction time, and flavor. Espresso grind size defines the fineness needed to resist water pressure during brewing and produce a balanced shot. A grind that’s too fine slows water flow, causing over-extraction and bitterness. A grind that’s too coarse speeds water flow, leading to under-extraction and a weak, sour shot.
• Cold Brew Grind Size: The best grind size for cold brew is coarse, as this size slows extraction and reduces bitterness. Cold brew grind size is larger than drip coffee and resembles coarse sea salt. You can use regular ground coffee for cold brew, but it usually produces a stronger, more bitter result and may lead to over-extraction.
• Pour Over Coffee Grind Size: Pour over coffee grind size ranges from medium-coarse to medium-fine, depending on the device and method used. Different pour-over tools like the Chemex, Hario V60, or Kalita Wave each work best with slightly different grind sizes. Use a medium-coarse grind for Chemex to prevent clogging and ensure proper drainage through its thick filter. For V60, use a medium-fine grind to match the cone shape and maintain a steady pour. Melitta also works best with a medium-fine grind to support moderate flow through its flat-bottomed filter.
• Drip Coffee Grind Size: Drip coffee uses a medium grind with a sand-like texture. It’s also called all-purpose grind, regular grind, or auto drip grind. Most supermarket pre-ground coffee uses this grind because it fits standard drip machines. This grind allows water to flow at the right rate for balanced flavor.
• Moka Pot Coffee Grind Size: The best Moka Pot coffee grind size is medium-fine grind that is finer than drip coffee but coarser than espresso grind. The ideal Moka Pot grind size ranges from 400 to 600 microns, with a texture similar to granulated sugar or table salt—not as fine as powdered sugar and not as coarse as sea salt.
• Percolator Coffee Grind: The best grind size for a percolator is coarse, as it allows water to flow without over-extraction. Regular ground coffee is often too fine, which can slip through the filter and cause bitterness. Espresso and Turkish grinds are even finer and may clog the system. A coarse grind improves flavor clarity and reduces sediment.
• Aeropress Coffee Grind Size: AeroPress uses a medium-fine grind—finer than table salt but coarser than espresso. This grind helps the coffee brew evenly and keeps it from tasting too weak or too bitter. Pre-ground coffee works if it’s medium-fine. If too fine, it causes clogging and bitterness. If too coarse, it leads to under-extraction and weak flavor.
• Turkish Coffee Grind Size: Turkish coffee requires an extra fine grind, similar to powdered sugar, for proper extraction in unfiltered brewing. The powder must stay suspended to create its thick texture. Only use pre-ground coffee if labeled as Turkish grind—espresso or drip grinds are too coarse and won’t brew properly.

You can visualize coffee grind sizes by comparing grind samples on a size chart. A coffee grind size chart, like the one shown below, helps match grind texture to the correct brewing method.

Can I Download a Coffee Grind Size Chart PDF?

Yes, you can download a coffee grind size chart PDF from Colipse. Our coffee grind size chart PDF show grind sizes such as extra coarse, coarse, medium, fine, and extra fine for brewing methods like French press, drip, espresso, and Turkish coffee.

Where to Buy Fresh Coffee Grinds Online?

You can buy fresh coffee grinds from specialty online retailers like Colipse Coffee. We offer ground coffee beans in coarse, medium, and fine grind sizes ideal for French press, drip coffee, pour-overs, Moka pots, espresso, and more. All coffee grinds are freshly roasted to order for peak flavor. Colipse ships direct to consumers in 12 oz, 16 oz, 2 lb, and 5 lb bags. Prices start at $20.99 with free shipping. You can explore all our coffee options and view the latest prices on our collection page.

Is it Cheaper to Grind Your Own Coffee?

Yes, grinding your own coffee can save money, but many specialty roasters sell whole bean and pre-ground coffee at the same price, so cost savings dependent on the brand. When price is the same, the argument that it is cheaper to grind your own coffee becomes a matter of value, efficiency, and waste reduction—not cost alone.

What are the Pros and Cons of Grinding Your Own Coffee?

Grinding your own coffee offers better freshness, flavor control, and grind size customization for different brewing methods. However, it requires extra time, equipment cost, and can be inconsistent without a quality grinder. Home grinding improves taste but demands attention to grind consistency and technique. The following table shows the pros and cons of grinding your own coffee at home.

How to Grind Coffee Beans?

To grind coffee beans at home, follow the six steps below.

1. Choose your grind size based on brew method: use coarse for French press, medium for drip, and fine for espresso.
2. Measure whole beans using a digital scale: use 15–18 grams (about 2 tablespoons) per 8-ounce cup of water.
3. Select a burr grinder instead of a blade grinder to achieve uniform grind size and prevent uneven extraction.
4. Adjust grind settings precisely: set burr grinders to 5–10 for medium grind or 1–3 for espresso, depending on your grinder model.
5. Grind in short pulses for 10–15 seconds at a time to prevent overheating and preserve flavor.
6. Store ground coffee in an airtight container or coffee grind holder to maintain freshness and flavor.

Can You Grind Coffee Beans Without a Grinder?

Yes, you can grind coffee beans without a grinder or auto grind coffee maker by using a ninja blender, food processor, or mortar and pestle. These give an easy way to grind coffee beans, though tools vary in grind quality, texture, and consistency. While not as precise as traditional grinders, they offer flexibility for brewing coffee without a grinder-equipped machine or specialized gear. Alternatively, you can look for local shops that grind beans for you.

Where Can I Go to Grind Coffee Beans?

You can go to grind coffee beans for free to major grocery chains and local coffee shops. Costco offers self-service grinders for any brand. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods provide grinders for in-store bean purchases. Walmart locations may have grinders in the coffee aisle. Starbucks grinds only Starbucks beans. Local cafés often grind beans for customers or regulars.

Do Coffee Grinds Go Bad?

Yes, coffee grinds go bad over time due to oxidation. Exposure to air, moisture, heat, and light breaks down the oils and aromas, leading to stale flavor. For best taste, use ground coffee within 1–2 weeks of grinding and store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Can Coffee Grinds Go Down the Drain?

No, coffee grinds should not go down the drain. They clump together in pipes, causing blockages and plumbing damage over time. Unlike water-soluble waste, grinds accumulate and stick to grease or soap scum. Dispose of them in the trash or compost to avoid costly repairs.

What Can You Do with Used Coffee Grinds?

Used coffee grinds offer practical uses as organic fertilizer, pest repellent, deodorizer, exfoliant, and more. Instead of throwing out coffee grinds, consider these beneficial applications listed below.

• Gardening Fertilizer: Coffee grinds are rich in nitrogen, making them excellent organic fertilizers. They improve soil structure, boost fertility, and enhance drainage and aeration. However, their acidity may not suit all plants.
• Pest Repellent: Coffee grinds serve as a natural pest barrier against slugs and snails. Sprinkled around plants, they help deter these pests. Effectiveness varies with weather, so reapplication may be needed.
• Natural Deodorizer: Coffee grinds can absorb odors due to their porous structure. They neutralize smells in spaces like refrigerators and shoes. Over time, they become saturated and lose effectiveness, so regular replacement is needed.
• Exfoliating Scrub: Used coffee grinds work as a natural exfoliant that removes dead skin and boosts circulation. Mix them with oils for added skin benefits. Avoid use on sensitive skin, as the coarse texture may cause irritation.
• Cleaning Agent: The gritty texture of coffee grinds makes them effective for scrubbing pots and pans. They lift tough stains without scratching most surfaces. Avoid using them on non-stick cookware, as they can damage the coating.
• Candles and Crafts: People use coffee grinds in candles to add texture and a mild scent. They also serve as a natural colorant in craft projects. Unlike essential oils, the aroma from coffee grinds can be less consistent.

Can You Eat Coffee Grinds?

Yes, you can eat coffee grinds in small amounts. They contain antioxidants, fiber, and caffeine, but eating too much may cause stomach discomfort or caffeine-related side effects. Used grinds are less flavorful but still safe. Add them to recipes like energy bites or baked goods in moderation.