Grind size chart
Which grind for which brewer, from Turkish to cold brew.
Espresso Basket Size Chart
The right dose for your basket, plus the coin test to prove your puck is actually filling it.
| Basket | Dose | Yield at 1:2 | Common on | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single 7 g | 7 g | 14–21 g | Rare, classic machines | Hard to dial, uneven bed |
| Single 9 g | 9 g | 18–22 g | Some home machines | Better than 7 g, still fiddly |
| Double 14 g | 14 g | 28–35 g | Older machines, small doubles | Under-filled by modern standards |
| Double 18 g | 18 g | 36–45 g | Most 58 mm machines | The modern default |
| Double 20 g | 20 g | 40–50 g | E61, Lelit, Profitec | Needs a bigger portafilter |
| Triple 22 g | 22 g | 44–55 g | Niche setups, big drinks | Oversized for most cups |
| Basket 15 g (54 mm) | 15 g | 30–38 g | Breville / Sage machines | 54 mm group head |
| Basket 18 g (54 mm) | 18 g | 36–45 g | Breville / Sage machines | Common Breville size |
Highlighted: the dose column
Basket size is a range, not a number
A basket sold as "18 g" will hold 17–19 g comfortably and 16 g badly. The number is a design target, not a limit. What actually matters is whether the puck has enough headroom for the shower screen and enough resistance to build pressure.
Under-dose by more than 2 g and the water finds the gap at the top of the puck, forms a channel, and the shot runs fast and tastes sour no matter how you grind.
How to check if your dose fills the basket
Dose, tamp, then look at the gap between the top of the puck and the rim. There should be a small amount of clearance — roughly 2 mm for a standard basket. Use the "coin test": put a coin on the puck and lock the portafilter in. If the coin makes a dent, you are overdosing. If there is a visible gap, you can add a gram.
Precision baskets versus stock baskets
Stock baskets, especially on cheaper machines, have inconsistent hole patterns and often too few holes, which forces you to grind coarse to get any flow. Precision baskets (VST, IMS, EPNW) have a denser, more uniform hole array so you can grind finer and extract more evenly.
Measured coffee is usually 1–2 notches finer after a basket upgrade, and the cup gets noticeably sweeter.
54 mm versus 58 mm
58 mm is the industry standard, which means every accessory — tampers, distribution tools, baskets, bottomless portafilters — exists for it. 54 mm is Breville/Sage's size, and the smaller diameter means a deeper puck for the same dose, which behaves slightly differently: more resistance to water flow, so the grind usually needs to be coarser than the equivalent 58 mm setup.
Some machines use 51 mm (Gaggia, Rancilio Silvia era) or 53 mm (some La Pavoni). Always measure before buying accessories.
Frequently asked
What size basket do I need for a double shot?
18 g is the modern standard for a double, yielding 36 g at 1:2. Use a 20 g basket if you prefer 20 g doses; avoid dosing 20 g into an 18 g basket.
Does basket size change the dose?
Yes. The basket sets the range your dose must fall in to fill the puck properly. A dose too far below the basket's range guarantees channeling.
What is the difference between 54 mm and 58 mm baskets?
58 mm is the industry standard with the widest accessory selection. 54 mm is used by Breville/Sage and needs coarser grind because the deeper puck resists water more.
Is a precision basket worth it?
Yes, if you already have a decent grinder. Better hole consistency lets you grind finer without choking, which usually gives a sweeter, more even cup. It is not a substitute for a bad grinder.
How do I know if I am overdosing?
The coin test: place a coin on the tamped puck, lock the portafilter in, unlock it. If the coin leaves a dent in the puck, you are overdosed and the puck is pressing against the shower screen.
Ask the advisor about your numbers
Up to four questions per session. Answers are suggestions, not measurements.
Get the exact yield
Pick your dose and ratio, and the calculator gives you the gram target.