Cooling Time Calculator
Calculate cooling compliance for FDA 2-stage cooling requirements (135°F to 41°F).
Inputs
Results
Cooling Rate (°F/min)
0.75
Stage 1 On Track
Yes
Total Cooling Compliant
Yes
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the starting temperature when cooling began (°F) and the current measured temperature.
- Enter elapsed time in minutes since cooling started.
- Select the cooling method (FDA 2-Stage: 135→70→41 °F, or one-stage).
- The calculator shows cooling rate, projected total time, stage 1 compliance status, overall compliance, minutes remaining, and required rate to stay compliant.
- If cooling rate is insufficient, use an ice bath, blast chiller, or smaller portion containers to accelerate the process.
How the result changes with Start Temperature (°F)
| Start Temperature (°F) | Cooling Rate (°F/min) | Stage 1 On Track | Total Cooling Compliant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 111 | 0.35 | Yes | Yes |
| 139 | 0.82 | Yes | Yes |
| 173 | 1.38 | Yes | Yes |
| 201 | 1.85 | Yes | Yes |
What each input means
- Start Temperature (°F)
- Temperature when cooling began.
- Current Temperature (°F)
- Current measured food temperature.
- Elapsed Time (minutes)
- Minutes since cooling started.
- Cooling Method
- Select the cooling method
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input Parameters4 parametersStart Temperature (°F) = 135, Current Temperature (°F) = 90, Elapsed Time (minutes) = 60, Cooling Method = 1 = 4 input(s) provided
- Calculate Cooling RateCooling Rate0.75 = 0.75
- Calculate Stage 1 On TrackYes = Yes
- Calculate Total Cooling CompliantTotal Cooling CompliantYes = Yes
- Calculate Projected Total TimeProjected Total Time65 = 65
- Calculate Minutes RemainingMinutes Remaining300 = 300
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