🥖 Sourdough Starter Feeding Calculator
Never do starter math in your head again. Enter the amount of starter you'd like to make, choose a feeding ratio, and let the calculator do the work.
Understanding Feeding Ratios
Feeding ratios simply tell your starter how much fresh flour and water it's getting. A smaller feeding (like 1:1:1) reaches its peak more quickly, while a larger feeding (like 1:5:5) takes longer because there's more food to consume.
A feeding ratio compares the amount of starter to the fresh flour and water you add. For example, a 1:5:5 feeding means one part starter, five parts flour, and five parts water.
⚡ 1:1:1 — Quick Feed
Best for: Baking later today
Typical Peak: 4–6 hours
Choose this ratio when you need your starter ready in just a few hours. Because you're giving it less food, it reaches its peak much faster than larger feedings.
🥣 1:2:2 — Daily Maintenance
Best for: Regular Starter Maintenance
Typical Peak: 6–8 hours
This is a great everyday feeding ratio. It gives your starter enough food to stay active and strong without needing to build a large amount of starter.
🌙 1:5:5 — Overnight Build
Best for: Baking the next morning
Typical Peak: 8 - 12 hoursA larger feeding gives your starter more food, so it takes longer to reach its peak.This is a great choice when you're preparing dough the next morning.
🍞 1:10:10 — Large Builds
Best for: Building a large amount of starter
Typical Peak: 12 - 16 hours
Perfect when you're baking multiple loaves or preparing for a large bake day.
💡 Jenny's Tip
Don't bake by the clock—bake by your starter.
Feeding ratios and peak times are wonderful guides, but every kitchen is different. Temperature has a huge impact on fermentation. Watch your starter for a strong rise, lots of bubbles, and a domed top. Those signs will tell you far more than the clock ever will.