Coffee Rate of Rise Calculator
Created by: Olivia Harper
Last updated:
Measure roast momentum using average bean-temperature rise per minute.
Rate of Rise Calculator
CoffeeCalculate roast momentum from bean temperature checkpoints
Related Calculators
What is a Rate of Rise Calculator?
Quantifying roast momentum
A rate of rise calculator measures how quickly bean temperature is increasing over a roast interval. It helps you quantify roast momentum instead of relying on guesswork.
Consistent ROR control is central to repeatable cup quality, especially through Maillard and development phases.
When tracked at fixed checkpoints, ROR becomes a reliable signal for proactive control adjustments. This can reduce late-stage corrections and profile drift.
ROR Formula
Checkpoint-based momentum calculation
ROR (°F/min) = (End Temp − Start Temp) ÷ Elapsed Minutes
Use short intervals for finer control and troubleshooting. Longer intervals are useful for broad trend comparison.
Consistency in timing windows is important. Mixed interval lengths can make trend comparisons less meaningful.
Example
3-minute interval analysis
If bean temperature rises from 320°F to 356°F in 3.0 minutes, average ROR is 12.0°F/min. You can compare this value against your target phase trajectory.
If similar intervals repeatedly exceed your target, staged heat or airflow adjustments may be needed earlier in the roast.
Applications
Daily control workflows
Use this calculator for profile transfer between batch sizes, first-crack approach tuning, and operator consistency checks.
It can also support post-batch reviews by showing where momentum diverged from target progression.
Tips
Build a checkpoint protocol
Choose standard roast milestones for ROR checks and keep them consistent across operators. This improves comparability and helps isolate process changes.
Track ROR at consistent checkpoints each roast for meaningful comparisons.
Pair ROR data with sensory cupping outcomes to calibrate profile targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is rate of rise in coffee roasting?
Rate of rise (ROR) is the speed of bean-temperature increase, usually in degrees per minute. It helps roasters track momentum and avoid stalled or runaway roast behavior.
Why does ROR matter near first crack?
A controlled ROR decline near first crack often improves development balance. If momentum is too high, roasts can overshoot quickly and mute origin clarity.
Can this replace full roast logging software?
No. This calculator is a fast decision aid for checkpoint analysis. Full logging platforms still provide richer curve history and event tagging.
What is a typical target range?
Targets vary by roaster and profile style. Many roasters aim for a gradually declining ROR that remains positive through drop while avoiding late-stage spikes.
Sources and References
- Rao, Scott. The Coffee Roaster’s Companion. ROR and profile control concepts.
- SCA Roasting curriculum references for phase and momentum terminology.