Herbal Extract Calculator
Calculate active compound content and whole-herb equivalence from extract ratio and standardization percentage.
About this calculator
This calculator translates two different label claims that herbal products make, and it keeps them strictly separate. Equivalent Whole Herb answers "how much raw plant does this dose represent" — your extract dose in grams multiplied by the concentration ratio (a 10:1 extract means ten grams of raw herb condensed into each gram of extract, so a 0.5 g capsule stands for 5 g of whole herb). The denominator field exists for non-standard ratios like 4:2, though it is almost always 1. Active Compound per Dose answers a different question — "how much of the guaranteed marker compound is in this dose" — multiplying the dose by the standardization percentage (a 0.5 g dose at 5 percent yields 25 mg).
Notably, the two calculations never interact: the extract ratio plays no role in the active-compound figure, and the standardization percentage plays no role in the whole-herb equivalent. A 50:1 extract standardized at 2 percent and a 5:1 extract standardized at 10 percent can deliver identical marker-compound milligrams from very different amounts of raw plant. The Typical Daily Doses output is a fixed conventional reference of 2 — it does not respond to any input. What the tool cannot tell you: whether the marker compound is the one responsible for the herb's effect, or how bioavailable it is.
Medical Disclaimer
This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of results from this tool.
Inputs
Results
Active Compound per Dose
25 mg
Equivalent Whole Herb
5 g
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the extract ratio as X:1 — the X value and the denominator (usually 1).
- Enter the extract dose in grams (e.g., the capsule weight of extract powder).
- Enter the standardization percentage guaranteed for the active compound (e.g., 5% ginsenosides).
- Review the Active Compound per Dose in mg and the Equivalent Whole Herb in grams.
- Check the Typical Daily Doses output for the standard ×/day reference.
How the result changes with Extract Dose (g)
| Extract Dose (g) | Active Compound per Dose | Equivalent Whole Herb |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 | 12.5 mg | 2.5 g |
| 0.38 | 18.75 mg | 3.75 g |
| 0.75 | 37.5 mg | 7.5 g |
| 1.25 | 62.5 mg | 12.5 g |
What each input means
- Extract Ratio (X:1) — X
- First number of the extract ratio (e.g., 10 for a 10:1 extract)
- Extract Ratio — Denominator
- Second number of the extract ratio (usually 1)
- Extract Dose (g)
- Amount of extract per dose in grams (e.g., capsule weight of extract powder)
- Standardization (%)
- Percentage of the active compound guaranteed in the extract (e.g., 5% ginsenosides)
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input Parameters4 parametersExtract Ratio (X:1) — X = 10, Extract Ratio — Denominator = 1, Extract Dose (g) = 0.5, Standardization (%) = 5 = 4 input(s) provided
- Calculate Active Compound per DoseActive Compound per Dose25 = 25
- Calculate Equivalent Whole HerbEquivalent Whole Herb5 = 5
Engine last updated . Checked against 3 independently-derived tests — how we verify calculators. Built by Paul Gunder, a software engineer, not a licensed financial, medical, or legal professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a higher extract ratio mean more active compound per dose?
No — those are independent label claims. Active Compound per Dose is your dose times the standardization percentage only; the extract ratio never enters that formula. A concentrated extract can still be standardized to a low percentage, so check both outputs rather than treating the ratio as potency.
What's the difference between Equivalent Whole Herb and Active Compound?
Equivalent Whole Herb tells you how much raw plant material your dose represents (dose times the extract ratio), while Active Compound tells you the milligrams of the guaranteed marker compound (dose times the standardization percent). The first measures bulk concentration; the second measures chemical potency.
When would I change the ratio denominator from 1?
Only for unusually expressed ratios — most extracts are labeled X:1, so the denominator stays at 1. If a label expresses concentration differently (say 4:2), entering the denominator keeps the division accurate. The denominator is floored at a small positive value so the calculation never divides by zero.
Why does Typical Daily Doses always show 2?
It is a fixed convention, not a calculation — most herbal supplements are dosed twice daily, so the figure is displayed as a static reference. None of the four inputs influence it; use it as a label-reading aid, not a personalized schedule.
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