How Many Vanilla Beans Do You Need for DIY Vanilla Extract?

If you're ready to make DIY vanilla extract, one of the first questions you'll ask is:
"How many vanilla beans do I actually need?"

The answer depends on the volume you're making, the type of vanilla bean, and how strong you want your extract. In this guide, we’ll break it all down so you can make the perfect homemade vanilla extract every time.

💡 Quick Answer:

To make 1 cup (8 oz) of DIY vanilla extract, you'll need:

✅ About 1 oz of vanilla beans per 8 oz of alcohol — the standard ratio for rich, flavorful extract.

📏 Standard Ratio for Vanilla Extract (According to FDA Guidelines)

For a single-fold vanilla extract (the legal minimum in the U.S.), use:

• 13.35 oz of vanilla beans per gallon of alcohol
  — or —

• 1 oz of vanilla beans per 8 oz (1 cup) of alcohol

This creates a single-strength extract, the kind you’d typically buy in a store. Let it infuse for 12+ months for full potency.

🧪 DIY Vanilla Extract Formula (Easy Breakdown)

Tip: Always purchase vanilla beans by weight and not by bean count. We see as many as 15 vanilla beans to 1oz and as few as 2 vanilla beans to 1oz. No two beans are the same, which is why bean weight, and not bean count, is critical. 

🫘 Which Type of Vanilla Beans Should You Use?

• Grade B (Extract Grade): Dry, brittle, concentrated, lower moisture — ideal for extracts, vanilla sugars and vanilla powders.

• Grade A (Gourmet Grade): Higher moisture, ideal for extracts when using 1oz beans to 8oz alcohol ratio, and also for baking, harvesting caviar and other applications. 

Both types work, but Grade B beans are more cost-effective for DIY vanilla extract. Grade A beans are best when using the beans for applications in addition to extract making.

🍸 Best Alcohol for DIY Vanilla Extract

Stick with 40% alcohol (80 proof) or higher. The most popular choices include:

• Vodka: Neutral flavor, lets vanilla shine

• White Rum: Adds sweetness and depth

• Bourbon: Rich, smoky, gourmet

• Brandy: Elegant and floral (great with Tahitian beans)

For more on this topic, read our blog: The Best Alcohol for Vanilla Extract in 2025

🧴 How to Store DIY Vanilla Extract

• Use dark glass bottles (amber or cobalt)

• Keep in a cool, dark place

• Let extract for at least 12 months

🧑🍳 Why Make Your Own Vanilla Extract?

• Save money long-term

• Customize flavor blends

• Control ingredients (no additives)

• Great for gifting and baking

Plus, homemade vanilla extract just tastes better — especially when you use high-quality, single-origin beans.

🛒 Where to Buy Vanilla Beans for DIY Vanilla Extract

Looking for premium beans specifically for extract making?
Vanillapura.com carries:

• Grade A and Grade B vanilla beans

• Origins like Madagascar, Tahiti, Tonga, Uganda & more

• DIY extract kits, bottles, and easy-to-use extract calculators

Join thousands of extract makers who trust Vanillapura for their DIY vanilla projects.

Final Thought

To make the best DIY vanilla extract, stick with the 1 oz of beans per 1 cup of alcohol rule.
Choose high-quality beans, the right alcohol, and give it time — your homemade vanilla will be worth the wait!

Ready to start your DIY vanilla journey?
Shop Vanilla Beans Now →