Baker's Percentage Calculator

Calculate precise ingredient ratios for perfect bread and pastry recipes

Baker's Percentage Calculator

Flour Base (Always 100%)

Baker's %
100%

Quick Recipe Presets

Recipe Ingredients

Recipe Summary

1000.0g
Flour (100%)
700.0g
Other Ingredients
1700.0g
Total Recipe Weight
67.0%
Hydration

Total Baker's %: 170.0%

Flour Base: 1000.0g

Ingredient Count: 4 items

Recipe Yield: 1700.0g

Quick Recipe Scaling

Example Recipe: Basic Sourdough

Baker's Percentages

Flour: 100% (1000g)

Water: 75% (750g)

Sourdough Starter: 20% (200g)

Salt: 2% (20g)

Recipe Calculations

Water: 1000g × 75% = 750g

Starter: 1000g × 20% = 200g

Salt: 1000g × 2% = 20g

Total Weight: 1000g + 750g + 200g + 20g = 1970g

Hydration: 75% (ideal for sourdough)

Hydration Guide

Low Hydration (50-65%)

Bagels, pasta, stiff doughs

Medium Hydration (65-75%)

Sandwich bread, pizza dough

High Hydration (75-85%)

Artisan bread, sourdough

Very High Hydration (85%+)

Ciabatta, focaccia, no-knead

Common Percentages

Salt1.5-2.5%
Fresh Yeast2-4%
Active Dry Yeast0.5-1.5%
Sugar3-12%
Butter/Oil3-20%
Eggs10-25%

Baker's Math Tips

Flour is always 100% - this is your base

Total percentages don't add up to 100%

Easy to scale recipes up or down

Consistent results every time

Perfect for recipe development

Understanding Baker's Percentage

What is Baker's Percentage?

Baker's percentage (also known as baker's math) is a method used to express the ratio of ingredients relative to the flour weight in a recipe. The flour weight is always considered 100%, and all other ingredients are expressed as percentages of the flour weight.

Why Use Baker's Percentage?

  • Easy recipe scaling without losing proportions
  • Consistent results across different batch sizes
  • Professional standard in commercial baking
  • Easier recipe modification and development

Calculation Formula

Baker's Percentage Formula:

Percentage = (Ingredient Weight ÷ Total Flour Weight) × 100

Weight Calculation:

Weight = (Percentage ÷ 100) × Flour Weight

Key Principles

  • • Flour = 100% (always the base)
  • • Water percentage = hydration level
  • • Salt typically 1.5-2.5% of flour weight
  • • Yeast varies: 0.5-1.5% for dry, 2-4% for fresh

Remember: In baker's math, the total percentages will exceed 100% because flour is the 100% base, and other ingredients add to this base.