Fresh to Dry Herb Conversion Calculator
Swap fresh herbs for dried (and vice versa) with instant volume and weight conversions.
Dried herbs needed
0.33 Tablespoon dried
Teaspoon
1.00
Tablespoon
0.33
Cup
0.02
Gram
1.28
Weight (grams dried)
1.3 g
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the amount you have
Type the quantity listed in your recipe. Decimals are supported for partial spoons or cups.
Choose the measurement unit
Select teaspoons, tablespoons, cups, or grams depending on how the recipe is written.
Pick the starting herb form
Toggle between fresh and dried to see how much of the other form you need to substitute accurately.
Formula
dried = fresh ÷ 3 | fresh = dried × 3
weight = volumeml × density
Conversion ratio: Most culinary guides recommend 3 parts fresh herbs to 1 part dried.
Weight estimate: Fresh herbs ≈ 0.55 g/ml, dried herbs ≈ 0.26 g/ml. Use as a guideline for grocery planning.
Example: 2 tbsp fresh basil → 2 × 14.7868 / 3 ≈ 9.86 ml dried → 2.0 tsp dried basil.
Full Description
Fresh herbs brighten dishes with moisture and volatile oils, while dried herbs concentrate flavor after the water is removed. Because of this intensity difference, recipes commonly call for one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. This calculator applies that guideline while also estimating weights so you can shop intelligently.
The conversion takes into account light packing for fresh leaves and the compact nature of dried flakes. Use it to convert recipes on the fly, adjust quantities when herbs are out of season, or translate chef-written instructions into home pantry staples.
Best uses
- Substituting dried thyme when fresh sprigs aren't available.
- Scaling large-batch soups that use dried herb blends.
- Planning herb garden harvests for freezer storage.
- Balancing marinades, rubs, and dressings between fresh and dried options.
Remember that some herbs (like parsley or cilantro) lose aroma quickly when dried. The calculator gives a solid starting point, but adjust to taste once the dish is simmering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 3:1 ratio work for every herb?
It's a reliable baseline for woody herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage. Delicate herbs may need more fresh flavor.
How do I adjust for herb blends?
If a recipe lists dried Italian seasoning, convert the total amount using the calculator, then tweak individual flavors if needed.
Can I convert tablespoons of dried herbs to bunches of fresh?
Yes. Convert dried tablespoons to fresh cups first. On average, one grocery store bunch equals about 1 cup of loosely packed leaves.
How accurate are the weight estimates?
Moisture content affects weight. The provided densities reflect average culinary references; weigh your herbs for exact precision.