This tool will calculate the right amounts of ingredients for your sourdough starter.
How to Use the Sourdough Starter Calculator:
To use the sourdough starter calculator, follow these steps:
- Enter the current amount of starter you have (in grams).
- Enter the flour ratio (For example, equal amount of flour as starter would be 1).
- Enter the water ratio (For example, equal amount of water as starter would be 1).
- Enter how many times you feed your starter per day.
- Click the “Calculate” button.
The result will display the total amount of flour, water, and starter needed per day.
How the Calculator Works:
The calculator uses the following formula to determine the amounts:
- Total Flour: Starter Amount * Flour Ratio * Number of Feedings per Day
- Total Water: Starter Amount * Water Ratio * Number of Feedings per Day
- Total Starter: Starter Amount * Number of Feedings per Day
Limitations:
The calculator assumes a consistent feeding schedule and does not take into account any changes in feeding ratios or times. It also assumes equal ratios for simplicity.
Use Cases for This Calculator
Calculate Initial Flour and Water Amounts
When starting a sourdough starter from scratch, you need to calculate the initial amounts of flour and water to use. The calculator will help you determine the right proportions based on the desired hydration level for your starter.
Adjust Hydration Level
If you want to change the hydration level of your sourdough starter, you can use the calculator to adjust the amounts of flour and water accordingly. This flexibility allows you to customize your starter based on your preferences.
Track Feeding Schedule
To maintain a healthy sourdough starter, you need to feed it regularly. The calculator can help you track the feeding schedule by providing you with the amounts of flour and water needed for each feeding based on your desired schedule.
Convert Starter Amounts
When a recipe calls for a specific amount of sourdough starter, but you have a different quantity on hand, the calculator can help you easily convert the amounts. This ensures that you use the correct proportions in your baking.
Calculate Baker’s Percentage
Baker’s percentage is a common way to express the ratio of ingredients in a recipe based on the weight of the flour. The calculator can automatically calculate the baker’s percentage for your sourdough starter recipe, making it easier to scale the recipe up or down.
Determine Ready-to-Use Time
After feeding your sourdough starter, you may wonder how long it will take to become active and ready to use. The calculator can estimate the time based on factors like room temperature and starter activity, helping you plan your baking schedule.
Customize Starter Size
If you need a specific amount of sourdough starter for a recipe, you can customize the starter size using the calculator. Simply input the desired quantity, and the calculator will adjust the amounts of flour and water accordingly.
Adjusting Starter Consistency
Depending on the type of bread you are baking, you may need a stiffer or more liquid starter. The calculator can help you easily adjust the consistency of your starter by changing the hydration level and proportions of flour and water.
Troubleshoot Starter Issues
If your sourdough starter is not performing as expected, the calculator can provide troubleshooting tips based on your inputs. It can suggest adjustments to feeding frequency, hydration level, or temperature to help revive a sluggish starter.
Scaling Starter for Multiple Recipes
When baking multiple sourdough recipes that require starter, you can use the calculator to scale up the starter quantity efficiently. This ensures that you have enough active starter for all your baking needs without wasting excess.