Cartridge Isolate Calculator

Calculate cannabinoid requirements for vape cartridge production

Production Planning: Calculate the precise amounts of THC isolate and CBN needed for your cartridge batch. Percentages are automatically normalized to 100%.
Batch Configuration
g
parts
parts
Auto-Normalized: Your ratios are automatically converted to percentages that total 100%. For example, 85:5 becomes 94.4% THC and 5.6% CBN.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use this calculator?

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Enter Batch Size: Specify how many cartridges you're producing
  2. Set Cartridge Capacity: Enter the capacity of each cartridge in grams (typically 0.5g, 1.0g, or 2.0g)
  3. Define Target Percentages: Set your desired THC and CBN percentages
  4. Enable Auto-Balance: Check this to automatically calculate "Other Compounds" to reach 100%
  5. Review Results: The calculator shows total weights needed, per-cartridge amounts, and THCa requirements

The calculator updates in real-time as you enter values, providing immediate feedback on your formulation.

What are the formulas used?

Total Batch Weight:

$$\text{Total Weight} = \text{Number of Cartridges} \times \text{Capacity per Cartridge}$$
Total material needed for batch

Cannabinoid Weights:

$$\text{THC Weight} = \text{Total Weight} \times \frac{\text{THC\%}}{100}$$
THC isolate needed
$$\text{CBN Weight} = \text{Total Weight} \times \frac{\text{CBN\%}}{100}$$
CBN needed

THCa to THC Conversion:

$$\text{THCa Required} = \frac{\text{THC Weight}}{0.87723}$$
THCa needed before decarboxylation
$$\text{CO}_2 \text{ Loss} = \text{THCa Required} - \text{THC Weight}$$
Weight lost during decarboxylation
What does "Auto-Balance" do?

Auto-balance ensures your formulation adds up to exactly 100% by automatically calculating the "Other Compounds" percentage.

With Auto-Balance Enabled:

$$\text{Other\%} = 100\% - \text{THC\%} - \text{CBN\%}$$
Automatic calculation

What are "Other Compounds"?

  • Cutting Agents: MCT oil, PG, VG, or terpenes
  • Other Cannabinoids: CBD, CBG, CBC, etc.
  • Flavor Compounds: Natural or artificial terpenes
  • Carrier Oils: Various cutting/dilution agents

When to Disable Auto-Balance:

Disable if you want to manually specify all three percentages (THC, CBN, and Other). This is useful when you have a specific formulation in mind that doesn't need to add to exactly 100%.

Should I use THC isolate or THCa isolate?

THC Isolate (Decarboxylated):

  • Pros: Ready to use, no conversion needed, consistent potency
  • Cons: May be more expensive, less shelf-stable in some conditions
  • Use when: You want immediate results without processing

THCa Isolate (Non-Decarboxylated):

  • Pros: Often cheaper, more stable for storage, allows you to control decarboxylation
  • Cons: Requires decarboxylation step, 12.27% weight loss during conversion
  • Use when: You have decarboxylation equipment and want cost savings

Important: If using THCa isolate, remember to order 12.27% more than your calculated THC needs to account for CO₂ loss during decarboxylation.

What are common cartridge formulations?

High Potency (85% THC, 5% CBN, 10% Other):

Maximum cannabinoid content for experienced users. The "Other" typically includes terpenes and minimal cutting agents.

Balanced (70% THC, 10% CBN, 20% Other):

Good balance between potency and smoothness. More room for terpenes and cutting agents for better viscosity.

Smooth (60% THC, 5% CBN, 35% Other):

Lower potency but smoother draw. More cutting agents for better wicking and flavor delivery.

Sleep Formula (50% THC, 20% CBN, 30% Other):

Higher CBN content for sedative effects. Often includes relaxing terpenes in the "Other" portion.