Iced Coffee Dilution Calculator
Calculate the perfect hot coffee and ice amounts for iced coffee that maintains target strength.
Iced Coffee Dilution Calculator
Calculate the correct amounts of hot coffee and ice to maintain target strength after dilution
Formula
Brewing TDS = (Target TDS × Target Volume) / Hot Coffee AmountWhen ice melts, it dilutes the coffee. This calculator determines how strong to brew the hot coffee so that after ice melts, you achieve your target strength.
How to Use
- 1Set target volume — Enter your desired final volume of iced coffee in milliliters.
- 2Set target TDS — Enter your desired final strength (TDS) for the iced coffee.
- 3Choose ice percentage — Select how much of the final volume should be ice (30-50% recommended).
- 4Review calculations — See the hot coffee amount and the TDS to brew at.
- 5Brew and pour over ice — Brew coffee at the calculated TDS and pour over ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate iced coffee dilution?
Determine your target final volume and ice percentage. The hot coffee amount equals target volume minus ice amount. The brewing TDS is calculated as (Target TDS × Target Volume) / Hot Coffee Amount.
What is the best ice to coffee ratio for iced coffee?
The ideal ice percentage is typically 30-50% of the final volume. A 40% ice ratio is a great starting point. Avoid exceeding 50% ice as it may result in overly diluted coffee.
How strong should I brew coffee for iced coffee?
For iced coffee, brew your hot coffee stronger than normal to compensate for ice dilution. This calculator determines the precise brewing TDS needed for your desired final result.
Why does my iced coffee taste watery?
Iced coffee tastes watery when the hot coffee is not brewed strong enough to compensate for ice dilution. Brew at a higher concentration (higher TDS) than your target final strength.
What TDS should I target for iced coffee?
For iced coffee, target a final TDS of 1.2-1.4% for balanced flavor. This is slightly lower than hot coffee because cold temperatures reduce perceived bitterness.