cannabutter ratio calculator

What this cannabutter ratio calculator does

A good cannabutter batch starts with two practical questions: How much cannabis per cup of butter? and How strong will each serving be? This calculator answers both in one place.

You can use it to:

• Find your grams-per-cup ratio (the core infusion ratio).
• Estimate total THC in the batch after process losses.
• Estimate mg THC per tablespoon, teaspoon, and serving.
• Reverse-plan how many grams you might need for a specific target potency.

How ratio and potency are calculated

1) Raw THC potential

Raw THC potential is estimated from cannabis weight and THC percentage:

Raw THC (mg) = grams × 1000 × THC%

Example: 7g at 20% THC = 7 × 1000 × 0.20 = 1400mg raw THC potential.

2) Decarb + infusion efficiency

Not all THC makes it into finished butter. You lose potency during decarboxylation, straining, transfer, and heat handling. The calculator applies two efficiency inputs:

• Decarb efficiency: how effectively THCA becomes THC.
• Infusion efficiency: how much activated THC is captured in butter.

Estimated infused THC = Raw THC × Decarb efficiency × Infusion efficiency

3) Potency by volume and serving

Once total infused THC is known, the calculator divides that total across butter volume and servings:

• mg per cup
• mg per tablespoon (16 tbsp per cup)
• mg per teaspoon (3 tsp per tbsp)
• mg per serving (based on your recipe yield)

Choosing a cannabis-to-butter ratio

There is no single best ratio. The right ratio depends on tolerance, recipe style, and desired consistency. A lighter ratio gives flexibility for everyday baking. A stronger ratio reduces how much butter you must use per portion.

Common planning ranges

• Light infusion: around 3.5g to 7g per cup
• Medium infusion: around 7g to 14g per cup
• Strong infusion: around 14g+ per cup

These ranges are only rough references. Flower potency varies widely, so 7g at 12% and 7g at 28% are dramatically different outcomes.

How to use this calculator effectively

Step-by-step

• Enter cannabis weight in grams and butter volume in cups.
• Enter THC percentage from your label (or realistic estimate).
• Set decarb and infusion efficiencies (defaults are moderate assumptions).
• Add your recipe serving count for per-serving potency.
• Click Calculate and review both ratio and potency values.

If you have a target potency goal, add target mg and target servings to estimate how many grams may be needed for that batch.

Example batch

Suppose you infuse 10g flower at 18% THC into 1.5 cups butter, with 85% decarb and 75% infusion efficiency:

• Raw THC: 10 × 1000 × 0.18 = 1800mg
• Estimated infused THC: 1800 × 0.85 × 0.75 = 1147.5mg
• Per cup: 1147.5 / 1.5 = 765mg
• Per tablespoon: 765 / 16 ≈ 47.8mg

If that butter makes 30 cookies, each cookie would average roughly 38mg THC. That is strong for many people, so you might split portions or blend with regular butter to reduce dose.

Tips for better consistency

• Grind evenly, but avoid turning material into powder.
• Keep temperatures controlled and avoid scorching.
• Stir occasionally for a more uniform infusion.
• Record every batch: strain, time, temp, grams, and perceived strength.
• Use the same recipe process each time to reduce variability.

Frequently asked questions

Is grams-per-cup enough to know potency?

No. Ratio is a starting point, but THC percentage and process efficiency determine actual strength.

Why include decarb and infusion efficiency?

Because real kitchen outcomes are never 100%. Including efficiency gives a more realistic estimate.

Can this calculator predict exact potency?

Not exactly. It provides a planning estimate. Only lab analysis can confirm true cannabinoid content.

Final takeaway

The best cannabutter ratio is the one that matches your goals and allows controlled dosing. Use this calculator to pick a ratio, estimate potency, and plan servings with fewer surprises. Save your inputs from successful batches and you will quickly develop a repeatable process that fits your kitchen and your preferences.