SCA Barista Intermediate Practice Test 2026 - Free Barista Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

To determine the espresso brew ratio, you compare the weight of the coffee dose to the weight of the espresso yield. In this case, you have a 17g dose of coffee and a 34g yield of espresso.

The brew ratio is calculated by dividing the yield by the dose. Therefore, you take the yield of 34g and divide it by the dose of 17g:

34g (yield) ÷ 17g (dose) = 2

This yields a ratio of 2:1. In practical terms, this means that for every part of coffee, you are getting two parts of liquid espresso.

Understanding this ratio is crucial for baristas as it directly impacts the flavor and strength of the espresso shot. Ratios like 1:2 are considered standard for a balanced espresso, promoting the right extraction levels to highlight the coffee's characteristics.