At Sunergos we believe brewing the best coffee is worth digging deep into the details. We have tools for measuring weight, temperature, and time which are all important variables in brewing. Today we want to talk about applying the same principle of measuring using an objective method to grinding coffee.

One of the most common challenges in brewing is identifying and replicating grind size. What’s medium for one grinder may be coarse for another. We tend to throw around indistinct terms like “medium/coarse”. This is where micron measurements come in — a more scientific and consistent way to talk about grind size.

In this post, we’ll break down what microns are, how they relate to coffee grounds, and how using micron measurements can improve your brewing game — whether you’re pulling shots of espresso, dialing in your pour-over, or just want better coffee from your daily drip brewer.

What Are Microns?

A micron, also known as a micrometer, is a unit of length equal to one-millionth of a meter (1 μm = 0.000001 m). To put that in perspective:

• A human hair is roughly 50 to 100 microns in diameter.

• A grain of table salt is about 300 to 600 microns across.

In coffee, grind size can range anywhere from around 200 microns (fine espresso grind) to over 1400 microns (coarse cold brew grind). So, measuring grind size in microns gives us a far more precise way to describe and replicate the texture of ground coffee.

Why Micron Measurement Matters in Coffee Brewing

Coffee brewing is a careful balance of extraction — how much of the coffee's water-soluble compounds are pulled out during brewing. Grind size is a key factor in controlling extraction. Here’s how micron measurements help in 3 key ways:

1. Precision and Repeatability

Two grinders might both say they’re set to "medium," but the actual grind size could vary by hundreds of microns. Measuring in microns gives you an objective number. If you find your perfect espresso at 250 microns, you can repeat that exactly — or communicate it to others who have a different grinder.

2. Understanding Extraction

• Too fine: Coffee can over-extract, leading to bitter, harsh flavors.

• Too coarse: You risk under-extraction — weak, sour, or flat coffee.

Dialing in the right grind size in microns allows you to control how fast water flows through the coffee and how much flavor (AKA those water-soluble compounds we’ve been talking about) it extracts.

3. Troubleshooting Brews

Let’s say your pour-over tastes weak and sour. If you are able to measure your grind size and find you ground your coffee to 1100 microns, that give you valuable information to improve your next brew. In this case, you should try a finer grind — maybe down to 800 or 900 microns. The numbers give you a clear path forward, instead of guessing based on vague terms.

How to Measure Grind Size in Microns

There are a few ways to get micron-level measurements:

Kruve Brewler

This is a tool our team has been using and has incredible bang for buck. It is one the easiest and most affordable ways to measure microns if you prefer a hand-tool. The downside is that they rely on visual comparisons that can be less accurate.

🔗 Kruve Brewler

Unspecialty’s Grind Size Analyzer (Recommended)

This is a free online software that measures microns with the snap of a cell phone photo. It's easy and free! In our testing, it has been quite accurate as well. Could it get any better than that?

🔗 Unspecialty's Grind Size Analyzer

Grind Size Charts from Grinder Manufacturers

Some premium grinder brands provide micron data for each grind setting. For example:

• Baratza grinders offer microns per setting in their documentation.

• Fellow’s Opus grinder gives an approximate micron range for different brew methods.

DIY Visual Comparisons

Some home brewers compare their grinds visually to known references (like sugar or salt crystals), but this is far less accurate.

Sieve Testing (Coffee Particle Size Analysis Kits)

These are lab-style tools with metal mesh sieves of specific micron sizes. To use them, you pour ground coffee through the screens and weigh how much passes through each screen. It's highly accurate but not practical for casual home use.

Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analyzers

Used by coffee professionals and grinder manufacturers to get a particle size distribution graph. These are high-end lab instruments and typically not accessible to the average home brewer.

Micron Ranges for Common Brew Methods

Keep in mind: different coffees, roasts, and recipes may require slight adjustments.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Measuring in Microns?

It really depends on how satisfied you are with your coffee. Some people just want to brew coffee and not have to think much about it. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that!

However, if you’re serious about coffee and want to get the most out of it, yes — even understanding the micron ranges can make a noticeable difference. You don’t necessarily need lab-grade tools, but being aware of how fine or coarse your grind is in microns gives you an objective way to measure and therefore greater control. It’s especially worth it if you:

• Use multiple brewing methods

• Have multiple grinders

• Like to experiment with coffee variables

• Want to troubleshoot and improve consistency

So next time you reach for your grinder, think beyond just “medium” or “fine.” With micron measurements, you can make your brewing process more scientific — and your cup more delicious.