Updated October 2026 · microns to grinder settings
All 121 recipes in each Coffee Recipe Series give a grind size in microns (μm). Grinder dials don't speak microns, so this page converts the number on your recipe into a setting for the grinders I use, and shows you how to calibrate your own.
Find your recipe's grind in microns in the left column of the grinder chart, then read across to your grinder. The chart covers the Monolith, Option-O P64, Kinu M47 and DF54 from 250 to 1200 μm. Treat it as a starting point, then taste and adjust.
Why microns
The trouble is that many different combinations of espresso machines, grinders, zero points, burr sets and basket sizes make it almost impossible to provide a grind setting that works for everyone. Microns are the closest thing to a common language.
If you have set all the other parameters correctly (dose, ratio, yield, temperature and the time you need to achieve), you will only need small changes to grind size, which makes it much easier to get your setting about right.
Knowing the density still helps with grind. Start recording your ideal grind settings at different densities, and you will find you can significantly reduce your dial-in time.
You should always taste-test the coffee. The grind settings are in microns for my grinders with 58 mm and 54 mm VST precision baskets. Your mileage may vary!
Grinder chart
Settings for my Monolith, Option-O P64, Kinu M47 and DF54 grinders, in 25 μm steps. Your zero point may not match mine, so use these as a starting point.
MicronsMonolithOption-O P64Kinu M47DF542502.511.3.919.82752.751.11.4.421.130031.21.5.022.43253.251.31.5.623.73503.51.41.6.1253753.751.61.6.726.340041.71.7.227.64254.251.81.7.828.94504.51.91.8.330.24754.752.11.8.931.550052.21.9.432.85255.252.32.0.034.15505.52.42.0.635.45755.752.52.1.136.760062.72.1.7386256.252.82.2.239.36506.52.92.2.840.66756.7532.3.341.970073.22.3.943.27257.253.32.4.444.57507.53.42.5.045.87757.753.52.5.647.180083.62.6.148.48258.253.82.6.749.78508.53.92.7.2518758.7542.7.852.390094.12.8.353.69259.254.32.8.954.99509.54.42.9.456.29759.754.53.0.057.51000104.63.0.658.8102510.254.73.1.160.1105010.54.93.1.761.4107510.7553.2.262.71100115.13.2.864112511.255.23.3.365.3115011.55.43.3.966.6117511.755.53.4.467.91200125.63.5.069.2
Calibrate your grinder
I recommend getting a Kruve Brewler and measuring the microns your grinder produces at each setting. That gives you your own column for the chart above. You will also find out how consistent your grinder is: whether it produces a wide spread of boulders and fines or not.
Kruve Brewler: grind size measured in microns, from fine to coarse
FAQ
Zero points, burr sets and alignment differ from grinder to grinder, even between two of the same model. Measure your own grinder with a Brewler and use the microns, not the dial number, as your reference.
Not much. When the dose, ratio, yield and temperature already suit your bean density, small grind changes are all you need. Change one step at a time and taste.
It depends on the roast, which is why it changes across the series. Recipe 61, the middle of the espresso series, uses 300 μm. Measure your bean density to find the right starting recipe and grind.
No. The chart runs from 250 to 1200 μm, which covers filter, French press and AeroPress grinds as well as espresso. The French press series, for example, uses 500–800 μm.
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