Decarboxylation Calculator
This free decarboxylation calculator gives you the temperature and time for every decarb method, then estimates how much THC actually activates from your flower.
Decarboxylation Temperature & Time Chart
Pick the method you'll actually use — each one trades speed, smell, and efficiency. The calculator above uses these same numbers.
| Method | Temperature | Time | Activation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oven | 240°F | 40 min | 90% | Most common home method |
| Sous Vide | 203°F | 90 min | 95% | Precise, low odour |
| Instant Pot | 240°F | 40 min | 92% | Sealed jar under pressure |
| Air Fryer | 240°F | 25 min | 88% | Fast, less consistent |
| Ardent FX / NOVA | Automatic | Automatic | 98% | Automated, highest efficiency |
What Decarboxylation Does
Raw cannabis is loaded with THCA, the non-intoxicating acid form of THC. Heat drives off a carboxyl group (a process called decarboxylation) and converts THCA into active THC — the cannabinoid that actually does something when you eat it. Skip this step and your edibles will be weak no matter how much flower you use. For the full method-by-method walkthrough, see our decarboxylation guide.
How to Use This Decarb Calculator
Choose your decarb method to see its recommended temperature, time, and activation efficiency. Then enter your flower's THC percentage and weight to estimate the active THC in milligrams you'll have after decarbing — the number that actually drives edible potency. From there, our edible dosage calculator turns that active THC into milligrams per serving.
Why Activation Efficiency Varies
No home method converts 100% of THCA to THC. Too little heat under-activates; too much heat (above ~300°F or past a few hours) degrades THC into CBN, which is more sedating and less psychoactive. The efficiencies above reflect typical real-world results: gentle, controlled methods like sous vide and the Ardent FX preserve the most cannabinoids, while faster methods like an air fryer trade a little potency for speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time should I decarb cannabis at?
240°F (115°C) for 40 minutes in an oven is the standard. Sous vide uses 203°F for 90 minutes, an Instant Pot uses 240°F for about 40 minutes under pressure, an air fryer needs roughly 240°F for 25 minutes, and an Ardent FX runs an automated cycle.
How much THC do I get after decarbing?
Decarboxylation is never 100% efficient. Oven decarb activates about 90% of available THC, sous vide about 95%, Instant Pot about 92%, air fryer about 88%, and an Ardent FX about 98%. Enter your flower's THC percentage and weight above to estimate the active milligrams.
Do I have to decarb before making edibles?
Yes. Raw cannabis contains THCA, which is barely psychoactive when eaten. Heat converts THCA into active THC. Skipping decarboxylation gives you very weak edibles.