Marinade Amount Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the marinade amount calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Marinade Amount Calculator

Formulas Used

Total Marinade

total_marinade = round(total_marinade_cups * 100) / 100

Acid (vinegar, citrus, wine)

acid_portion = round(total_marinade_cups * 0.25 * 100) / 100

Oil

oil_portion = round(total_marinade_cups * 0.5 * 100) / 100

Seasoning/Aromatics

seasoning_portion = round(total_marinade_cups * 0.25 * 100) / 100

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
meat_lbsMeat/Protein Weight(lbs)2
marinade_styleMarinade Style0.5
total_marinade_cupsDerived value= meat_lbs * marinade_stylecalculated

How It Works

How Marinade Amounts Are Calculated

Formula

Total Marinade = Meat Weight (lbs) x Coverage Factor

The standard ratio is about 1/2 cup of marinade per pound of meat.

Classic Marinade Ratio

  • 50% oil: Carries flavor, helps browning
  • 25% acid: Tenderizes surface, adds tang (vinegar, citrus juice, wine)
  • 25% seasoning: Garlic, herbs, spices, soy sauce, etc.

    • Marinating Times

  • Fish/seafood: 15-30 minutes
  • Chicken/pork: 2-12 hours
  • Beef/lamb: 4-24 hours
  • Vegetables: 30 min-2 hours

    • Worked Example

    Marinade for 2 lbs of chicken thighs, standard coverage.

    meat_lbs = 2marinade_style = 0.5
    1. 01Total marinade = 2 x 0.5 = 1 cup.
    2. 02Acid (vinegar/citrus) = 1 x 0.25 = 0.25 cups (4 tbsp).
    3. 03Oil = 1 x 0.50 = 0.50 cups (8 tbsp).
    4. 04Seasoning = 1 x 0.25 = 0.25 cups (4 tbsp).

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Marinade Amount Calculator