Baking Calculator

Scale recipes, convert ingredients, and adjust baking measurements for perfect results every time.

Recipe Scaling Calculator

Scale your favorite recipes up or down to serve any number of people

Recipe Ingredients

Baking Unit Converter

Convert between different baking measurements and units

Pan Size Calculator

Adjust recipes when changing pan sizes

Key Features

Scale recipes up or down precisely with automatic adjustments
Convert between volume and weight measurements accurately
Adjust recipes for different pan sizes with area calculations
Ingredient-specific conversion factors for 12+ common ingredients
Professional baking time and temperature recommendations
Copy ingredient lists and results for easy reference

Understanding Baking Mathematics

Scaling Formula: New Amount = Original Amount × (Target Servings ÷ Original Servings)
Pan Area Calculation: Round = π × r², Square = s², affects baking time
Density Conversions: Volume to weight using ingredient-specific densities
Temperature Adjustment: Larger batches need 25°F lower, smaller batches 25°F higher
Time Calculations: Baking time scales with pan depth and surface area

Tips & Best Practices

Weight Over Volume: Use kitchen scale for flour, sugar, and butter for best accuracy
Scaling Limits: Keep scaling between 0.5x and 3x for best results
Leavening Adjustment: Reduce baking powder/soda slightly when scaling up
Pan Preparation: Grease larger pans more thoroughly for easy release
Testing Doneness: Use toothpick test in center and edges for large batches
Ingredient Order: Maintain proper mixing sequence regardless of batch size
Multiple Batches: Consider making separate batches for very large quantities
Quality Control: Taste and adjust seasoning/sweetness after scaling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Add Your Recipe Ingredients

Enter each ingredient name, amount, and unit. Click "Add Ingredient" to build your complete recipe list.

2

Set Current Servings

Specify how many servings your current recipe makes (original amount).

3

Enter Target Servings

Input how many servings you want to make (new amount you need).

4

Calculate Recipe Scaling

Click "Scale Recipe" to get proportionally adjusted ingredient amounts.

5

Convert Units if Needed

Use the unit converter to change between metric and imperial measurements for convenience.

6

Follow Scaling Tips

Review the provided tips for adjusting baking time, temperature, and leavening agents when scaling recipes.

Pro Tips

🔄

Test Small Batches: When scaling up significantly, make a small test batch first to check flavor and texture balance.

⚖️

Use Weight Measurements: For best accuracy, weigh ingredients in grams instead of using volume measurements like cups.

🕐

Adjust Baking Time: Larger batches may need more time, smaller batches less. Check doneness with toothpick test.

🧂

Scale Seasonings Carefully: Salt, spices, and extracts don't always scale linearly. Start with 75% and adjust to taste.

📐

Consider Pan Size: Different pan sizes affect baking time and texture. Use appropriate cookware for scaled recipes.

How to Use the Baking Calculator

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1Recipe Scaling: Enter original and target servings, then list ingredients with amounts and units
  2. 2Unit Conversion: Choose ingredient type and convert between volume/weight units as needed
  3. 3Pan Size: Select shape and sizes to get scaling factor and time/temperature suggestions

Pro Tips

  • 🧪Leavening agents may not scale linearly; reduce by 10–15% for large batches
  • 🌡️For large batches, lower oven temp by ~25°F; for small batches, raise by ~25°F. Check doneness frequently
  • ⚖️Use grams (g) for accurate scaling; volume-to-weight conversions are approximate

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I scale any recipe up or down?

Most recipes can be scaled within reason (0.5x to 4x). However, delicate items like soufflés, macarons, and some bread recipes may not scale well due to their precise chemical reactions.

Why might baking time change when scaling?

Larger batches in bigger pans take longer to bake through, while smaller batches in smaller pans may bake faster. The depth of the batter and pan size significantly affect baking time.

How accurate are volume to weight conversions?

Volume to weight conversions are estimates based on average densities. For best accuracy, especially in professional baking, use a kitchen scale to weigh ingredients directly.

What's the difference between a large, medium, and small egg?

Large eggs (most common in recipes) weigh about 50g, medium eggs about 43g, and small eggs about 38g. When scaling, account for these differences if your recipe calls for a specific egg size.

Do I need to adjust leavening agents when scaling?

For small scaling changes (2x or less), usually no adjustment is needed. For larger scaling, reduce baking powder/soda by 10-15% to prevent over-rising and potential collapse.

How do I convert between US and metric measurements?

The calculator includes conversions for common ingredients. Generally: 1 cup flour = 120g, 1 cup sugar = 200g, 1 cup butter = 227g. Use the unit conversion tab for precise conversions.

What if I don't have the right pan size?

Use the pan size calculator to determine scaling factors. A 9" round pan has similar area to an 8" square pan. Adjust recipe quantities and baking time accordingly.

Should I scale spices and extracts the same way?

Scale spices and extracts more conservatively. Start with 75% of the scaled amount and taste-test. It's easier to add more than to fix an over-seasoned dish.