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Caffeine Half-Life Calculator

Estimate how much caffeine is left in your system hour by hour, including at your planned bedtime.

Caffeine remaining at bedtime

17 mg

About 14.5 hours after consumption.

Caffeine remaining over time

Time after dose Approx. time Remaining caffeine

How it works

Caffeine is metabolized exponentially. The most commonly cited average half-life in healthy adults is about 5.7 hours, though it ranges from roughly 3 to 8 hours depending on genetics, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, smoking status, liver function, and other factors.

The formula used is:

Remaining mg = Dose × 0.5^(hours since dose / 5.7)

At bedtime, the calculator shows the total caffeine still active in your bloodstream from the entered dose. If you had multiple doses, you would sum each one separately; this calculator models a single dose for clarity.

Limitations

Half-life varies widely between individuals. Some people metabolize caffeine slowly and feel effects for much longer; others clear it quickly. Tolerance, sleep debt, and other stimulants also change how caffeine affects you. Use this as a rough guide, not a precise prediction.

FAQ

How much caffeine is in common drinks?

An 8 oz brewed coffee has roughly 80–100 mg; a single espresso shot about 60–75 mg; black tea 30–50 mg; green tea 20–35 mg; a 12 oz cola about 30–40 mg.

Is 5.7 hours the right half-life for everyone?

No. It is a population average. Personal half-life can be shorter or longer, especially with genetics, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, or liver enzyme differences.

How late is too late for caffeine?

Many sleep guidelines suggest avoiding caffeine within 6–8 hours of bedtime. Slow metabolizers may need a longer cutoff.

Why do I still feel wired when the remaining mg looks low?

Caffeine's subjective effects depend on dose, tolerance, sleep deprivation, and individual sensitivity. A small remaining amount can still affect light sleep.

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