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Pho Broth Calculator — Bones, Spices & Cook Time

Get precise bone, spice, and noodle amounts for authentic Vietnamese pho by serving count

Bones

1.6 kg

Water

3.2L

Simmer

6hr

Broth Base

1.6 kg
bones for Pho Bo (Beef)

3.2L water, simmer 6 hours

Ginger

50g

Star Anise

6g

Fish Sauce

60 ml

Simmer Time

6 hr

Key Ingredients

Noodles400g
Charred Onion200g
Ginger50g

Example Calculations

14 Bowls of Pho Bo (Beef)

Inputs

Bowls4
StylePho Bo (Beef)
Noodle TypeBanh Pho (Flat, Dried)

Result

Bones1.6 kg
Water3.2 L
Ginger50g
Fish Sauce60 ml
Noodles400g

4 servings × 0.4kg = 1.6kg bones. Water: 4 × 400ml × 2 (evaporation) = 3.2L. Ginger: 50g × 1 scale. Fish sauce: 60ml × 1. Noodles: 4 × 100g = 400g.

22 Bowls of Pho Ga (Chicken)

Inputs

Bowls2
StylePho Ga (Chicken)
Noodle TypeBanh Pho (Flat, Fresh)

Result

Bones0.6 kg
Water1.6 L
Ginger25g
Fish Sauce30 ml
Noodles300g

2 × 0.3kg = 0.6kg bones. Water: 2 × 400ml × 2 = 1.6L. Scale = 2/4 = 0.5. Ginger: 50 × 0.5 = 25g. Fish sauce: 60 × 0.5 = 30ml. Noodles: 2 × 150g = 300g.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How much bone do I need for pho?

For beef pho (pho bo), use 0.4kg of bones per serving. For chicken pho (pho ga), use 0.3kg per serving. Beef pho traditionally uses a mix of leg bones (for collagen), knuckle bones (for richness), and marrow bones (for depth). Blanch bones first to remove impurities.

  • Pho bo (beef): 0.4kg bones per serving — mix of leg, knuckle, and marrow
  • Pho ga (chicken): 0.3kg bones per serving — whole carcass or backs/necks
  • Blanch bones in boiling water for 5 minutes, then rinse before making broth
  • Beef pho simmers 6 hours; chicken pho only 2 hours
  • Double the water to account for evaporation during long simmering
Pho StyleBones/ServingSimmer TimeSpice Level
Pho Bo (Beef)0.4 kg6 hoursFull spice
Pho Ga (Chicken)0.3 kg2 hours80% spice
Q

What spices go in pho broth?

Authentic pho uses five key spices: star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom, and coriander seeds. For 4 servings, use 6g star anise (3 whole), 5g cinnamon (1 stick), 2g cloves (4 pieces), 3g cardamom (3 pods), and 4g coriander seeds. Toast spices in a dry pan before adding to broth.

  • Star anise: 6g (3 whole pieces) per 4 servings — signature pho aroma
  • Cinnamon: 5g (1 stick) per 4 servings — use Vietnamese cassia bark
  • Cloves: 2g (4 pieces) per 4 servings — add sparingly, very potent
  • Cardamom: 3g (3 pods) per 4 servings — black or green cardamom
  • Coriander seeds: 4g (1 tbsp) per 4 servings — adds citrus notes
Q

How much charred onion and ginger for pho?

For 4 servings, char 1 large onion (200g) and a 2-inch piece of ginger (50g) directly over a flame or under a broiler until deeply blackened. The charring develops smoky sweetness that is essential to pho broth. Scale linearly: 50g onion and 12.5g ginger per serving.

  • Onion: 200g (1 large) per 4 servings, halved and charred black
  • Ginger: 50g (2-inch piece) per 4 servings, halved and charred
  • Char directly over gas flame or under broiler for 10–15 minutes
  • Rinse off loose charred skin but keep the blackened surface
  • Add charred aromatics when starting the bone simmer
Q

What noodles are used in pho?

Pho traditionally uses banh pho, flat rice noodles. Dried flat noodles need 100g per serving, while fresh need 150g. Bun (round vermicelli) can substitute at 80g dried per serving. Cook noodles separately in boiling water right before serving.

  • Banh pho (flat, dried): 100g per serving — soak 30 min, boil 30 sec
  • Banh pho (flat, fresh): 150g per serving — blanch 10 seconds only
  • Bun (round vermicelli): 80g dried per serving — lighter, thinner alternative
  • Never cook noodles directly in the broth — starch clouds the soup
  • Place noodles in bowl, ladle hot broth over to finish cooking

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Last Updated: Mar 20, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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