Lemon Juice Calculator

How it works

fruits = juice needed ÷ juice per fruit · medium lemon ≈ 45 mL (3 tbsp) juice + 1 tbsp zest · lime ≈ 30 mL (2 tbsp) + 2 tsp zest · key lime ≈ 10 mL · orange ≈ 90 mL (⅓–½ cup) · grapefruit ≈ 160 mL (⅔ cup)

Citrus growers and test kitchens give averages for a medium fruit at room temperature: a lemon yields about 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of juice and 1 tablespoon of zest, a Persian lime about 2 tablespoons (30 mL) and 2 teaspoons of zest, a key lime only about 2 teaspoons, an orange ⅓ to ½ cup and a grapefruit about ⅔ cup. Size, variety and freshness change the yield by 25% or more, so the calculator rounds the number of fruits up. Rolling the fruit firmly on the counter or warming it for 10–15 seconds in the microwave releases more juice.

Worked example

For 120 mL (½ cup) of lemon juice with medium lemons at 45 mL each: 120 ÷ 45 = 2.67, so buy 3 lemons — enough for 9.0 tsp (3 tbsp) of zest as well.

Sources: Sunkist — Citrus equivalents and yields · USDA Food Buying Guide — Lemons, limes, oranges (yield)

Frequently asked questions