Dose (weight in)

The mass of dry ground coffee loaded into the portafilter basket, measured in grams. The "input" half of the brew ratio.

Why it matters — Dose is the foundation of a repeatable shot. The difference between 17.8 g and 18.4 g — barely visible by eye — is the difference between a great shot and an inconsistent one. Weigh in, every shot.

Good to know

• Common doses: 18–20 g for double baskets, 7–10 g for singles. Match the dose to the basket's design capacity.
• Don't over-dose ("updose") to get a stronger shot — the puck has nowhere to expand, the headspace disappears, and shots channel.

Related: Coffee Scales