Edible Calculator
Your expert tool for calculating homemade edible potency and ensuring safe dosing.
Enter the weight of the cannabis flower you are using in grams.
Please enter a valid number.
Find this on the product label. Average is 15-25% for flower.
Please enter a valid percentage.
The total amount of butter, oil, or other liquid you are infusing.
Please enter a valid amount.
How many individual pieces will your recipe make (e.g., 24 brownies)?
Please enter a valid number of servings.
What is an Edible Calculator?
An edible calculator is an essential tool for anyone making cannabis-infused foods at home. Unlike commercially produced products, homemade edibles don’t come with a predetermined dosage, making it easy to consume too much or too little. This calculator helps you estimate the potency (in milligrams of THC) of each serving, allowing for a safer, more consistent, and predictable experience. By inputting details about your ingredients, you can remove the guesswork and dose your edibles responsibly.
The Edible Calculator Formula and Explanation
Calculating edible potency involves a few key steps. While it seems complex, the formula is straightforward. It accounts for the initial amount of THC in your cannabis and the typical losses that occur during preparation.
The core formula is:
THC per Serving (mg) = (Cannabis Weight (g) * 1000 * THC % * Decarb Factor * Infusion Factor) / Number of Servings
Our edible calculator automates this for you. Here’s a breakdown of the variables:
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannabis Weight | The amount of dry cannabis flower used. | grams (g) | 1 – 28 g |
| THC % | The percentage of THC in your cannabis strain. | Percentage (%) | 10% – 35% |
| Decarb Factor | Efficiency of converting non-psychoactive THCA to active THC via heating. | Ratio | 0.80 – 0.90 (approx. 88%) |
| Infusion Factor | Efficiency of THC transferring from the plant to the oil/butter. | Ratio | 0.85 – 0.95 (approx. 90%) |
| Number of Servings | The total number of individual pieces the recipe yields. | Count | 1 – 100+ |
Practical Examples
Example 1: A Batch of Brownies
- Inputs: You use 7 grams of cannabis with 22% THC to make 1 cup of cannabutter. Your recipe makes 16 brownies.
- Calculation:
- Potential THC: 7g * 1000 * 0.22 = 1540 mg
- Estimated Active THC (after losses): 1540 mg * 0.88 * 0.90 = ~1220 mg
- THC per Brownie: 1220 mg / 16 servings = ~76 mg per brownie
- Result: Each brownie is very potent. A beginner might only eat a small fraction of one. For more information, see our guide on how to calculate edible dosage.
Example 2: A Small Batch of Gummies
- Inputs: You use 2 grams of cannabis with 15% THC infused into 1/4 cup of coconut oil. Your recipe makes 30 small gummies.
- Calculation:
- Potential THC: 2g * 1000 * 0.15 = 300 mg
- Estimated Active THC (after losses): 300 mg * 0.88 * 0.90 = ~238 mg
- THC per Gummy: 238 mg / 30 servings = ~7.9 mg per gummy
- Result: Each gummy is a moderate dose, suitable for experienced users. Learn about finding the right dose.
How to Use This Edible Calculator
- Enter Cannabis Amount: Weigh your dry cannabis flower in grams and input the number.
- Enter THC Percentage: Check your product’s packaging for the THC content and enter it. If you don’t know, use an average of 15-20%.
- Enter Liquid Amount: Specify how much butter or oil you are infusing. You can switch the unit between cups and milliliters.
- Enter Number of Servings: Count how many final pieces your recipe makes (e.g., 24 cookies, 30 gummies).
- Review Results: The calculator will automatically show the estimated THC per serving (the primary result), along with the total potential THC in the entire batch. Use this information to dose safely. For more on this, check out our edible dosage chart.
Key Factors That Affect Edible Potency
- Starting Material: The THC percentage of your flower or concentrate is the most important factor.
- Decarboxylation: Properly heating your cannabis is crucial to “activate” the THC. Too little heat means low potency; too much can degrade it.
- Infusion Efficiency: Not all THC will transfer from the plant to your oil. The type of fat used and infusion time can impact this.
- Homogenization: Mixing your infused oil evenly throughout the batter is critical for consistent dosing in every serving. Uneven mixing can create “hot spots” of high potency.
- Your Metabolism: Factors like body weight, tolerance, and what you’ve recently eaten can all change how you react to an edible.
- Accurate Measurements: Using a digital scale for your cannabis and carefully measuring your ingredients ensures your calculations are based on good data. Explore our tips for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. How accurate is this edible calculator?
- This tool provides a close estimate based on standard efficiency rates. However, without lab testing, it is impossible to know the exact potency. Always start with a low dose.
- 2. What does “start low and go slow” mean?
- It’s the most important rule of edibles. Take a small dose (e.g., 2-5 mg), wait at least 90-120 minutes to feel the full effects, and only then consider taking more.
- 3. Why do edibles feel stronger than smoking?
- When you eat THC, your liver converts it into a more potent and longer-lasting compound called 11-hydroxy-THC.
- 4. What if I don’t know my THC percentage?
- If the strain is unknown, it’s safest to assume a moderate potency of around 15%. If you want more precise info, consider our cannabinoid guide.
- 5. Can I use this calculator for CBD edibles?
- Yes, the calculation is the same. Simply enter the CBD percentage instead of the THC percentage to find the CBD mg per serving.
- 6. How long do edibles take to kick in?
- It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, and sometimes longer. Effects peak around 4 hours after consumption.
- 7. My edibles feel weak. What went wrong?
- Common issues include under-decarboxylating your cannabis, inefficient infusion, or simply starting with a low-potency flower.
- 8. What’s a microdose?
- A microdose is a very small amount of THC (typically 1-2.5 mg) that provides therapeutic benefits without significant psychoactive effects.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Explore our other resources for a deeper understanding of cannabis consumption:
- Comprehensive Edible Dosage Guide – Learn more about finding your perfect dose.
- Beginner’s Guide to Making Cannabutter – A step-by-step tutorial on the most important ingredient.