About this tool
A balanced marinade is roughly 3 parts oil, 1 part acid, and seasoning to taste, scaled to half a cup per pound. Asian and yogurt styles flip the ratio: more flavor base, less oil. This tool gives you the totals plus a recommended marinate window so you do not over-tenderize.
How it works
Pick a style and weight. The calculator returns the oil, acid (vinegar, citrus, soy, or yogurt), and seasoning amounts in milliliters and tablespoons. Marinate in a zip-top bag in the fridge; flip halfway through.
How to use the Marinade Ratio Calculator
The Marinade Ratio Calculator is a browser-based tool that runs entirely on your device. Inputs you enter never reach a server - all calculations happen client-side in JavaScript. This means:
- Privacy: nothing is logged, sent, or stored by 3Tej. Inputs disappear when you close the tab.
- Speed: results update as you type. No network round trip.
- Offline use: once the page is cached, it works without internet.
- No signup: no account, no email, no rate limits.
Step by step
- Enter your inputs in the form above. Each field is labeled with its unit (currency, percent, kg, etc.) and the expected range.
- Read the result as it updates. The number reflects the formula commonly accepted in Marinade Ratio-related calculations.
- Adjust to see sensitivity: change one input at a time and watch how the output moves. This is the fastest way to understand which variable matters most.
- Copy or screenshot the result for later reference. The page state persists for the session if your browser allows it.
When you would use this
- Quick estimates: when you need a number now and don't want to open a spreadsheet.
- Sensitivity analysis: testing how a result changes as inputs vary, before committing to a real-world decision.
- Comparison: running the same calculation with different inputs to compare options side by side.
- Learning: building intuition for how the underlying math behaves.
- Documentation: capturing a snapshot of inputs and outputs at a point in time.
The formula explained
This calculator uses the following formula:
total mL = weight lb x 120 | oil:acid:seasoning splits per style
The reason this formula works is rooted in the underlying physics, finance, or biology of the problem. Behind every calculator is a published, peer-reviewed equation or a widely accepted convention. We do not invent formulas; we apply standard ones from textbooks, government tables, professional bodies, and academic literature.
If you are curious about the math, the simplest way to verify is to plug in two known numbers and compare against a known result. The calculator should match published examples to within rounding precision.
Frequently asked questions
Can I marinate too long?
Yes. Acid breaks down protein; over 12 hours can turn fish mushy. Yogurt is safer for long marinade since it tenderizes gently.
How much marinade per pound?
Around 1/2 cup (120 mL) per pound. Just enough to coat in a zip-top bag. More is wasted.
Reuse marinade safely?
Never reuse raw-meat marinade as a sauce without boiling first for at least 5 minutes. Better to reserve some before adding meat.
Why oil and acid?
Oil carries fat-soluble flavors and protects from heat. Acid (vinegar, citrus, yogurt) tenderizes and adds brightness.
Is the Marinade Ratio Calculator accurate?
The Marinade Ratio Calculator applies the standard formula for marinade ratio. Accuracy is limited only by your input precision. For decisions with material consequences, use the result as a starting point and verify with a qualified professional or the relevant official source.
Is the Marinade Ratio Calculator free?
Yes. 100% free, no signup, no payment, no API key. The site is funded by display ads that appear around the tool but not inside the calculation flow.
Are my inputs saved?
No. Inputs stay in your browser tab. Closing the tab discards them. The site uses Google Analytics for traffic measurement (anonymized) but does not see what you type into the form.
Can I use the Marinade Ratio Calculator on my phone?
Yes. The tool is responsive and tested on iOS Safari, Android Chrome, and major desktop browsers. Touch targets meet Apple's 44pt and Google's 48dp minimum guidance.
How do I report a bug or suggest improvement to the Marinade Ratio Calculator?
Email hi@3tej.com with the URL of this page and a description of what you saw vs expected. We typically respond within 72 hours and update calculators when rules or formulas change.
How accurate is the Marinade Ratio Calculator?
It applies the standard formula. Accuracy is limited only by your input precision. For decisions with material consequences (taxes, medical, legal, structural), use the result as a starting point and verify with a qualified professional in the relevant field.
Is the Marinade Ratio Calculator free to use?
Yes. 100% free, no signup, no payment, no API key. The site is funded by display ads around the tool but not inside the calculation flow.
Are my inputs saved anywhere?
No. All inputs stay in your browser tab. Closing the tab discards them. The site uses Google Analytics for traffic measurement (anonymized) but the analytics never see what you type into the form.
Does the Marinade Ratio Calculator work offline?
Yes. Once the page has loaded, it works without internet. The calculation runs in JavaScript on your device.
Can I share results from the Marinade Ratio Calculator?
Take a screenshot or copy the output. The page doesn't generate shareable URLs for specific calculations - inputs stay in your browser only.
Why are the results different from another marinade ratio tool?
Most likely: different formula assumptions, different default values, different rounding rules, or different applicable rates. Check the methodology if both tools document it. Both can be valid for different scenarios.