sourdoughy
How to Use the Sourdough Calculator (5-Min Guide)
Our sourdough hydration calculator takes the guesswork out of baker's percentage math. This guide walks you through every feature.
Getting Started: The Basics
Open the calculator. You'll see: Total Dough Weight (e.g., 800g), Hydration (70-75% for beginners), Levain % (typically 20%), Salt % (usually 2.1%). Adjust sliders—the Dough Recipe card updates instantly.
Understanding the Results
The calculator shows exact weights. It includes flour and water in your starter. Learn the theory in our baker's percentage guide.
Flour Mix and Hydration Adjustment
Whole wheat and rye absorb more water. Select a flour mix—the calculator automatically adds hydration. See our hydration guide.
Multi-Loaf Scaling
Baking 2 or 3 loaves? Change "Number of Loaves." All ingredients scale. Percentages stay the same.
Starter Maintenance Tab
Enter current starter amount, desired amount, and feeding ratio (1:1:1, 1:2:2). See our feeding schedule guide.
Temperature and Fermentation Time
Set dough temperature. The calculator estimates bulk fermentation. Watch for ~50% volume increase. Use the built-in timer. Don't rely on time alone.
Save, Export, and Make Bread
Save recipes. Export to PDF. Tap "Make bread" for step-by-step instructions. Use with our hydration and starter ratio guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Enter target weight, set hydration and levain %, read the amounts. It does the math automatically.
Yes. It accounts for flour and water in your levain. Set levain %—it computes everything.
Yes. Use "Number of Loaves." All ingredients scale; percentages stay the same.
Whole grains need more water. Select a flour mix—the calculator auto-adjusts hydration.
Estimates bulk fermentation based on temperature. Use as a guide—watch for 50% rise.
Disclaimer: Baking results vary based on flour type, ambient temperature, starter health, and technique. Use this guide and our sourdough hydration calculator as a starting point, then adjust to your conditions.