How to Calculate the Strength of Homemade Infusions
Every recipe on our site includes a Potency Notes box. This guide shows you how to get the numbers that go into it, so your servings are consistent from batch to batch.
Step by Step
- Find the percentage. Check your herbs' label for the percentage of the active ingredient.
- Convert to milligrams per gram. Multiply the percentage by 10. Example: 15% × 10 = 150 mg per gram.
- Find the total for your batch. Multiply by the grams of herbs you used. Example: ½ oz (14 g) × 150 mg = 2,100 mg.
- Find the amount per teaspoon. 1 cup of butter or oil is 48 teaspoons. Example: 2,100 mg ÷ 48 = about 44 mg per teaspoon.
- Find the amount per serving. Use the formula below with the teaspoons your recipe calls for and the number of servings it makes.
Potency Notes
Active ingredient per serving = (Active ingredient per tsp × Teaspoons used) ÷ Servings
Active ingredient per serving = (Active ingredient per tsp × Teaspoons used) ÷ Servings
Tips
- This is a maximum. Home decarbing and infusing never capture 100%, so the real number is usually lower.
- Stir infused butter or oil well before measuring, and mix batters thoroughly so every serving is even.
- Start with a small serving and wait at least an hour before having more.
- Write the per-serving estimate on your label.
Storage: Label every infused batch with the date and estimated strength, and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
