TeaBrewing
Find the ideal water temperature, steeping time, and tea amount for black, green, white, oolong, herbal, pu-erh, matcha, and rooibos teas. Free online tea brewing calculator with charts and guides.
About This Calculator
Brewing the perfect cup of tea depends on three key factors: water temperature, steeping time, and tea-to-water ratio. Different tea types require different conditions to extract the optimal flavor, aroma, and health benefits without bitterness. This free tea brewing calculator provides precise recommendations for eight popular varieties: black, green, white, oolong, herbal, pu-erh, matcha, and rooibos.
Each tea type has a distinct optimal brewing profile determined by its oxidation level and leaf structure. Black and pu-erh teas thrive at a full 100°C (212°F) boil for 3-5 minutes, while delicate green and white teas need cooler 80-85°C (176-185°F) water to avoid burning the leaves. Herbal infusions and rooibos require the longest steep times (5-7 minutes) at boiling temperature to fully extract their flavors. The calculator scales tea amounts, caffeine content, and calories based on your cup count, making it easy to brew for one or a group.
Regional Notes
India: Chai (masala tea) is traditionally made by boiling black tea leaves with milk and spices. Use the black tea setting with a longer steep (4-5 min) for a stronger brew. Typical serving is 150 ml per cup.
United States: Iced tea is popular — brew double-strength black tea (2 tsp per cup) and pour over ice. Most US households use 240 ml (8 oz) cups. Green and herbal teas are widely available in bag form.
United Kingdom: Black tea with milk is the standard. Use the black tea setting with a 3-4 minute steep. A standard UK cup is 200-250 ml. Loose leaf tea is preferred over bags for higher quality brews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I steep black tea?
Black tea should be steeped at 100°C (212°F) — a full rolling boil. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes depending on your strength preference. Use 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per cup.
What is the best temperature for green tea?
Green tea is best steeped at 80°C (176°F) — just below boiling. Let boiled water cool for 1-2 minutes before pouring. Steep for 2 to 3 minutes to avoid bitterness from over-extraction.
How much loose leaf tea should I use per cup?
Use 1 teaspoon (about 2 grams) of loose leaf tea per cup for black, green, oolong, and pu-erh teas. White tea requires 2 teaspoons per cup due to its lighter leaves, while herbal and rooibos teas need 1.5 teaspoons per cup.
How long should I steep herbal tea?
Herbal teas should be steeped for 5 to 7 minutes at 100°C (212°F) to fully extract flavors and benefits. Rooibos follows the same steeping time. Unlike true teas, herbal tisanes are caffeine-free.
Does matcha have more caffeine than regular green tea?
Yes, matcha contains about 70 mg of caffeine per cup compared to 28 mg for regular green tea. This is because matcha uses the whole ground tea leaf rather than an infusion. Its optimal temperature is 80°C (176°F) with just 1-2 minutes of whisking.
What is the difference between pu-erh and black tea steeping?
Both pu-erh and black tea steep at 100°C (212°F) for 3-5 minutes. However, pu-erh contains more caffeine (60 mg vs 47 mg per cup) and benefits from a quick rinse with hot water before steeping to open the compressed leaves.
How does water temperature affect tea flavor?
Water temperature significantly affects tea flavor. Too hot can burn delicate leaves (green, white) causing bitterness; too cool under-extracts bold teas (black, pu-erh) leaving them weak. Delicate teas need lower temperatures (80°C) and shorter steep times, while robust teas need full boil (100°C) and longer steeping.