How to use this calculator
Start by entering the number of servings your original recipe makes, then set the number of servings you want. Use the quick multiplier buttons to instantly double, triple, or halve the recipe.
Add your ingredients by typing the name, entering the amount, and selecting the unit from the dropdown. Click “Add ingredient” for more rows. The calculator scales every ingredient automatically and shows the results with smart fractions like ½, ¼, and ¾ for easy measuring.
Ingredients that don't scale linearly
While most ingredients scale in direct proportion, some need special attention. Here's a guide to help you adjust:
| Ingredient | Scaling Rule | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Salt | Start at 75% of scaled amount | Saltiness concentrates; always taste and adjust |
| Spices & herbs | Use 1.5x when doubling | Flavor compounds don't disperse linearly in larger volumes |
| Baking powder / soda | Use 1.5x when doubling | Too much can cause metallic taste or collapse |
| Yeast | Use 1.5x when doubling | Excess yeast causes over-rising and off-flavors |
| Thickeners (flour, cornstarch) | Start at 75% of scaled amount | Thickening power increases non-linearly with volume |
| Fats for sautéing | Use only what coats the pan | Pan size matters more than recipe volume |
| Eggs | Round to nearest whole egg | Hard to split an egg; adjust liquid slightly if needed |
Common recipe conversions
| Measurement | Equivalent | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 16 tbsp / 48 tsp | 237 ml |
| 1 tbsp | 3 tsp | 15 ml |
| 1 oz (fluid) | 2 tbsp | 30 ml |
| 1 lb | 16 oz | 454 g |
| 1 stick butter | ½ cup / 8 tbsp | 113 g |
| 1 cup flour | ~4.25 oz | ~120 g |
| 1 cup sugar | ~7 oz | ~200 g |
| 1 cup butter | ~8 oz / 2 sticks | ~227 g |
Frequently asked questions
How do you scale a recipe to a different number of servings?
Divide the desired number of servings by the original number of servings to get a scale factor. Multiply each ingredient amount by that scale factor. For example, if a recipe serves 4 and you need 6, the scale factor is 1.5, so 2 cups of flour becomes 3 cups.
Do all ingredients scale equally in a recipe?
No. Most ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and liquids scale linearly. However, spices, salt, leavening agents (baking powder, baking soda, yeast), and thickeners often need adjustment. When doubling, start with 1.5x for these ingredients and adjust to taste.
How do you convert fractions when scaling recipes?
Multiply the fraction by your scale factor. For example, if you are doubling and have ¾ cup, multiply 0.75 by 2 to get 1.5 cups (1 and ½ cups). This calculator handles the math automatically and shows results in common kitchen fractions.
Does cooking time change when you scale a recipe?
Cooking time does not scale proportionally with ingredient amounts. When doubling a recipe, the cooking time usually increases by only 25 to 50%, not double. When halving, start checking at about two-thirds of the original time. Always use a thermometer or visual cues to confirm doneness.