How to Calculate Edible Dosage: 5 Easy Steps

Knowing how to calculate edible dosage is one of the most important skills for any cannabis cook. Whether you’re making brownies, gummies, or butter, getting the math right means consistent, safe, and enjoyable edibles every time. This guide walks you through the exact formula — from raw flower to milligrams per serving.

Why You Need to Know How to Calculate Edible Dosage

Without proper dosing math, homemade edibles are a guessing game. Too little and you feel nothing; too much and you’re in for an uncomfortable ride. Learning how to calculate edible dosage takes the guesswork out and gives you control over every batch. The formula is straightforward once you understand the steps.

How to Calculate Edible Dosage in 5 Steps

Step 1: Convert Grams to Milligrams

Start with the amount of cannabis you’re using. Multiply grams by 1,000 to get milligrams. For example, 10 grams of flower equals 10,000 milligrams of cannabis material.

Step 2: Calculate Total THC Content

Multiply your total milligrams by the THC percentage of your flower. If your cannabis is 20% THC, the formula is: 10,000 mg x 0.20 = 2,000 mg of THC. If you’re using concentrates like rosin at 75%, adjust accordingly: 1,000 mg x 0.75 = 750 mg of THC.

Step 3: Account for Decarb and Infusion Loss

During decarboxylation and infusion, you’ll lose approximately 20% of your THC. Multiply your THC total by 0.80 to get the adjusted amount: 2,000 mg x 0.80 = 1,600 mg of usable THC. This loss varies depending on your decarb method and infusion temperature.

Step 4: Determine Potency Per Volume

If you infused 1,600 mg of THC into 500 mL (2 cups) of butter, each cup contains 800 mg. If your recipe calls for one cup, you’re working with 800 mg total. Want less potency? Use half a cup of infused butter and half a cup of regular butter for 400 mg total.

Step 5: Divide by Number of Servings

This is the final step when learning how to calculate edible dosage. Divide your total THC by the number of servings. Using one cup of 800 mg butter to make 10 brownies: 800 mg / 10 = 80 mg per brownie.

Quick Reference: Edible Dosage Formula

• Total Cannabis (mg) = Grams x 1,000
• Total THC (mg) = Total Cannabis x THC %
• Adjusted THC (mg) = Total THC x 0.80 (accounting for 20% loss)
• THC per Cup = Adjusted THC / Cups of butter used
• THC per Serving = THC in recipe / Number of servings

Variables That Affect Your Dosage

• Decarb method: Oven decarb may lose more than mason jar in crockpot
• Infusion temperature: Higher temperatures can degrade more THC
• Infusion duration: Longer times may change efficiency
• Cannabis quality: Without exact THC percentage, numbers will be approximate