Cannabutter Potency Calculator
Estimate total THC and dose per serving based on flower strength, efficiency, and batch size.
For educational estimation only. Potency can vary by strain, process, equipment, and testing accuracy. Follow local laws and use caution.
Why a cannabutter calculator matters
Homemade edibles can vary widely in strength. A calculator helps you move from guesswork to a repeatable estimate so you can make more predictable recipes. Instead of asking “Will this batch be weak or intense?”, you can estimate total available THC, then break that into tablespoon, teaspoon, and per-serving values.
This is especially useful when scaling recipes. If one batch is too strong, you can reduce flower weight, increase total butter, or increase servings. If it is too weak, you can make adjustments in the opposite direction.
How the calculator works
The math starts with total theoretical THC in your starting cannabis, then applies efficiency losses from decarboxylation and infusion. Finally, it divides the infused THC by your butter volume and number of servings.
Example
Suppose you use 7 g flower at 20% THC, estimate 85% decarb efficiency, 80% infusion efficiency, 1 cup butter, and 24 servings:
- Total THC before losses: 1,400 mg
- After decarb and infusion losses: about 952 mg infused THC
- About 59.5 mg per tablespoon, 19.8 mg per teaspoon
- About 39.7 mg per serving if all butter is used in 24 pieces
Choosing realistic efficiency assumptions
Decarb efficiency
Decarboxylation converts THCA into active THC. If decarb is incomplete, potency drops. If heat exposure is excessive, cannabinoids may degrade. A practical estimate range is 75% to 90%.
Infusion efficiency
Not every cannabinoid transfers to fat during infusion. Grind size, temperature control, time, filtration method, and repeated handling all influence yield. Many home cooks use 60% to 90% as a rough planning range.
Serving size reality check
Per-serving numbers only make sense if servings are uniform. If brownies are cut unevenly, potency per piece will vary. For better consistency:
- Mix thoroughly before baking.
- Use a pan size that allows easy equal portions.
- Cut with a ruler/grid for uniform pieces.
Tips for safer and more consistent dosing
- Start with a low target mg per serving if you are unsure.
- Wait long enough before taking more; effects can be delayed.
- Label batches with estimated potency and date.
- Store securely and keep away from children and pets.
- Do not combine with driving or safety-sensitive activities.
Frequently asked questions
Is this as accurate as lab testing?
No. This is an estimate tool. Lab testing is the only reliable way to confirm exact potency.
Can I use this for oils instead of butter?
Yes. The math is similar for infused oils. Just keep units consistent and update your serving count based on how you portion the final recipe.
What if I only use part of the butter in a recipe?
Multiply infused THC by the fraction used. Example: if your batch has 900 mg total and you use half the butter, your recipe contains about 450 mg THC.
Why include both decarb and infusion efficiency?
They represent separate loss points. Using both creates a more realistic estimate than assuming 100% transfer from raw flower to finished edible.
Final thoughts
A cannabutter calculator is a practical planning tool: it helps you estimate potency, compare batches, and make deliberate adjustments. Use it as a baseline, keep notes on each run, and refine your assumptions over time for more consistent results.