Tea Steeping Guide Calculator
Get the right water temperature, steep time and leaf amount for green, black, oolong, white, herbal and pu-erh tea.
How it works
Loose leaf ≈ 2.5 g per 8-oz cup · Temperature and steep time depend on the tea type
Delicate teas scorch and turn bitter in boiling water, so green and white teas want cooler water (around 175 °F) and short steeps, while black and herbal infusions can take a full boil and a longer soak. As a rule use about 2.5 g of loose leaf — roughly one teaspoon — per 8-oz cup, and taste toward the shorter end of the time range first, since over-steeping releases tannins that taste astringent.
Worked example
For two cups of green tea: heat water to 175 °F, use about 5 g of leaf (2 teaspoons), and steep for 2–3 minutes. Black tea from the same leaf amount would instead take near-boiling water and 3–5 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Why does green tea use cooler water?
Green and white teas are lightly oxidised and their delicate compounds break down in very hot water, releasing bitterness. Around 175 °F extracts sweetness and aroma without scorching the leaf.
How much loose tea per cup?
About 2.5 grams, or roughly one level teaspoon, per 8-oz cup. Larger, fluffier leaves take up more spoon volume, so weighing is the most reliable measure.
Can I re-steep the same leaves?
Yes — oolong and pu-erh in particular are made for multiple infusions. Add 30–60 seconds to each successive steep as the leaves give up their flavour more slowly.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.