What does this tool do?
A feeding ratio describes how much flour and water you add relative to the starter you keep. A 1:5 feeding, for example, uses one part starter to five parts flour, which slows fermentation and suits less frequent feeds. This calculator also converts hydration into weighed water.
The Formula
Flour = starter × flour parts; water = flour × hydration % ÷ 100; total = starter + flour + waterFrequently Asked Questions
Which feeding ratio should I use?
Use 1:1 or 1:2 for a starter you feed daily, 1:5 for once or twice a day, and 1:10 for infrequent feeds or storage in the fridge. Warmer kitchens ferment faster, so ratio and temperature work together.
How much starter should I discard?
This calculator assumes you keep the stated amount and discard the rest, or use it in another recipe. Keeping a small amount makes discarding less wasteful and the ratio easier to maintain.