Shortcut methods are valuable tools for the fast evaluation of key performance indicators in the early phase of conceptual process design. For the design of absorption columns, operation at minimum solvent demand represents a thermodynamically sound indicator, which is, however, difficult to determine because an infinite number of separation stages need to be considered. Instead, the suggested shortcut model exploits the existence of the pinch point to identify operation at minimum solvent demand. Existing shortcut concepts, such as the well-known equation of Kremser (Natl Pet News, 22, 43-49, 1930), are significantly outperformed by the novel shortcut model, which can be gradually refined to any desired accuracy. Integration into a stepwise procedure results in reliable solutions. The model covers rigorous thermodynamics; no simplifications regarding phase equilibrium, heat effects, or number of components are required. The performance of the method is illustrated by several case studies with up to seven components. (C) 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 1213-1225, 2017