Herb Capsule Sizing Calculator

Encapsulating dried herbs lets you swallow a measured dose without the bitter taste. Empty gelatin or vegetarian capsules come in standard sizes from 000 (largest you can comfortably swallow) down to size 5 (small enough for a child or for splitting a single dose).

Standard capsule capacity for typical dried plant powder (loose-packed):

• Size 000: ~1000 mg (1 g)
• Size 00: ~735 mg
• Size 0: ~500 mg
• Size 1: ~400 mg
• Size 2: ~314 mg
• Size 3: ~210 mg
• Size 4: ~150 mg
• Size 5: ~100 mg

Actual capacity varies with herb density. Light fluffy herbs (mullein, marshmallow leaf) hold less per capsule; dense root powders (turmeric, ashwagandha) hold more. The numbers above are typical averages; weigh a few finished capsules of YOUR herb to confirm.

Calculations:

capsules from total = total grams / (capsule size in grams)

Example: 50 g of valerian root powder, size 0 capsules (500 mg = 0.5 g each) = 50 / 0.5 = 100 capsules.

For target dose:

capsules per dose = target mg / mg per capsule total dose = capsules taken × mg per capsule

Example: target 1000 mg dose of turmeric, using size 0 capsules (~500 mg each). 1000 / 500 = 2 capsules per dose.

Practical encapsulating tips:

• A capping machine ($25-50) loads 24 capsules at a time. Far faster than hand-filling, more consistent fill weight, less mess.
• Hand-filling: tap-and-pack the capsule body in the herb powder, then twist on the cap. Slow but works for small batches.
• Weigh a sample: fill 5 capsules, weigh them, divide by 5 to get average per-capsule weight. Compare to expected; adjust packing pressure if needed.
• Vegetarian capsules (HPMC, hypromellose) work as well as gelatin and avoid animal products.
• Store filled capsules in airtight containers in cool dark conditions. Most herbs maintain potency 6-12 months when capsuled and stored well.

Dosage considerations:

Capsules are convenient but slow. The capsule shell takes 10-30 minutes to dissolve in stomach acid before the herb is bioavailable. For acute uses (digestive distress, headache), tinctures and teas act faster. For daily long-term use (adaptogenic herbs, immune support), capsules are excellent.

Standard adult capsule dosing for many herbs is 1-3 capsules of size 0 (500 mg each) per dose, taken 2-3 times daily. But specific herbs vary: cayenne is dosed at 100-300 mg (size 4-5 capsule); milk thistle at 200-400 mg per dose; turmeric often 1000-2000 mg per dose for therapeutic effect.

This calculator handles the math; consult a qualified herbalist or your healthcare provider for specific herb dosing for medical purposes. Self-dosing capsules of unfamiliar herbs at “more than the suggested” rates is the most common cause of herb-related side effects.