Jerky calculators

Work out how much meat to buy, adjust a marinade or estimate drying time. The calculators are free to use without an account. Results help with planning; they do not replace temperature checks or a tested recipe.

What are you making?

Choose your meat to estimate drying time. Then read the preparation guide for your batch before you start cooking.

Beef jerky

Choose your slice thickness and dehydrator setting.

Estimate drying time → Read the beef jerky guides

Venison jerky

Plan drying time for sliced deer meat.

Estimate drying time → Read the venison jerky guides

Biltong

See an air-drying estimate and read about the different process.

Estimate drying time → Read the biltong guides

Plan your batchChoose a calculator below.
Check your estimateSee what it means for your meat.
Read the matching guideFollow the preparation instructions.

What do you need to work out?

01 Start here How long will drying take? Estimate drying time from your meat, slice thickness and appliance setting, with a reminder to check meat temperature. 02 Yield How much jerky will I get, and what will it cost? Estimate finished jerky weight and cost per ounce from the raw meat you buy. 03 Cuts Which cut of beef should I buy? Compare cuts for your budget and preferred texture. 04 Flavor How much marinade do I need? Adjust marinade ingredients and salt amounts to your batch weight. 05 Grinding How much meat and fat should I mix? Work out a meat-and-fat blend for ground jerky or sausage. 06 Cure & safety What are the cure and salt weights? Calculate cure #1 and salt weights to use alongside your tested recipe and product instructions.

Already have a result?

Read the instructions for your meat and equipment before preparing the batch. Each calculator also links to matching guides.

Find preparation guides