Tea Brewing Calculator
Get the right water temperature, leaf quantity and steeping time for each type of tea.
Formula and sources updated · Data sources · 1View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
About this calculator
This lookup-based guide gives a starting water temperature, steep time, leaf amount and rough caffeine estimate by tea type and strength. Tea, water, vessel and personal taste change the result; follow the tea supplier’s instructions when available. Caffeine values are not laboratory measurements.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Tea type Black · Water 250 ml · Strength Standard Tea leaves 2.50 g · Water temperature 95 °C · Steeping time 3.0 min · Approximate caffeine 45 mg
Method and assumptions
Each tea type selects starting values for temperature, time, grams and estimated caffeine per 250 ml. Leaf quantity and caffeine scale with water volume; light/standard/strong uses a 0.7/1/1.4 multiplier for leaves and time. This illustrative table is not a laboratory caffeine measurement or the supplier’s recipe. Follow the tea supplier’s instructions and adjust for taste.
Data sources
Disclaimer
These calculators give general cooking guidance. Ingredient density, oven calibration, altitude and equipment all vary, and safe minimum internal temperatures always take precedence over timings. Follow the food-safety advice issued by your national authority.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
g = d × (V ÷ 250) × m
- d
- Tea dose per 250 ml (g)
- V
- Water volume (ml)
- m
- Strength factor: 0.7/1/1.4
- g
- Tea leaves needed (g)
Starting values by tea type are a lookup table: temperature °C, steep minutes, grams per 250 ml and estimated caffeine mg per 250 ml. Leaf amount and caffeine scale linearly with water volume; strength scales leaf amount and steep time by 0.7/1/1.4. These are planning estimates.
Frequently asked questions
What assumptions does this model use? (Tea Brewing Calculator)
Each tea type selects starting values for temperature, time, grams and estimated caffeine per 250 ml. Leaf quantity and caffeine scale with water volume; light/standard/strong uses a 0.7/1/1.4 multiplier for leaves and time. This illustrative table is not a laboratory caffeine measurement or the supplier’s recipe. Follow the tea supplier’s instructions and adjust for taste.
Why does strong tea keep the same caffeine estimate?
For black tea, 500 ml and standard strength, the current table gives 5 g leaves, 95°C, 3 minutes and an illustrative 90 mg caffeine estimate. Strong gives 7 g and 4.2 minutes but still 90 mg: caffeine does not change with strength in this simplified model.
Which inputs and limits apply to Tea Brewing Calculator?
Use the units shown beside each field. These are form limits, not recommended settings. Water: 1–5,000 ml Each tea type selects starting values for temperature, time, grams and estimated caffeine per 250 ml. Leaf quantity and caffeine scale with water volume; light/standard/strong uses a 0.7/1/1.4 multiplier for leaves and time. This illustrative table is not a laboratory caffeine measurement or the supplier’s recipe. Follow the tea supplier’s instructions and adjust for taste.
What is a complete worked example for Tea type = Black; Water = 250 ml?
Inputs: Tea type = Black; Water = 250 ml; Strength = Standard. Calculation: g = d × (V ÷ 250) × m. Results: Tea leaves = 2.50 g; Water temperature = 95 °C; Steeping time = 3.0 min; Approximate caffeine = 45 mg.