Sourdough Hydration Calculator

Flour (grams): Water (grams):

FAQs

How do you calculate hydration for sourdough bread? Hydration is calculated by dividing the weight of water in the recipe by the weight of flour, then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage.

What is the best hydration rate for sourdough? The best hydration rate can vary depending on personal preference and the specific recipe, but many sourdough bakers find success with hydration rates between 65% and 80%.

What does 70 hydration mean in sourdough? A sourdough with 70% hydration means that for every 100 grams of flour, there are 70 grams of water.

Does starter count towards hydration? Yes, sourdough starter does count towards hydration since it contains both flour and water.

What is the formula for hydration of bread? Hydration percentage = (weight of water / weight of flour) x 100

What is the ratio of flour to water for sourdough bread? The ratio varies, but typically it ranges from 1:0.6 to 1:0.8 (flour to water) for sourdough bread.

What happens if your sourdough is too hydrated? If sourdough is too hydrated, it may spread out excessively during proofing and baking, resulting in a flatter loaf with less structure.

What is the point of high-hydration sourdough? High-hydration sourdoughs often produce bread with larger air pockets, a more open crumb, and a chewier texture. They also tend to have a more complex flavor.

How long does dehydrated sourdough last? Dehydrated sourdough can last for several months if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Is higher hydration sourdough better? Higher hydration sourdough can result in a more open crumb and chewier texture, but whether it’s “better” depends on personal preference and the desired outcome of the bread.

How do you feed 100% hydration sourdough starter? To feed a 100% hydration sourdough starter, mix equal weights of flour and water into the starter.

How long does it take to Autolyse sourdough? Autolyse typically takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour, but it can vary depending on the recipe and preferences.

Does sourdough starter count in hydration? Yes, sourdough starter does count in hydration calculations because it contains both flour and water.

Does butter count as hydration in dough? No, butter does not count as hydration in dough. It contributes to the fat content and texture but not to the hydration level.

Do you need to Autolyse sourdough? Autolyse is not strictly necessary, but it can improve the dough’s extensibility and fermentation process, leading to better texture and flavor in the final bread.

What hydration is focaccia? Focaccia typically has a higher hydration, often around 70% to 80%.

How do you handle 100% hydration dough? Handling 100% hydration dough requires a gentle touch to avoid deflating it. Techniques like stretch and fold or coil folds can help develop gluten without overworking the dough.

What is 50% hydration dough? A 50% hydration dough contains equal weights of flour and water, resulting in a stiff, firm dough.

How much sourdough starter to use for 500g flour? For 500g of flour, you might use around 100g to 150g of sourdough starter, depending on the recipe and desired fermentation time.

What happens if you add too much flour to sourdough? Adding too much flour to sourdough can result in a denser and drier crumb, as well as a less developed flavor.

How soon after feeding sourdough starter can I use it? You can use a sourdough starter once it has doubled in size and is at its peak activity, typically 4 to 12 hours after feeding, depending on the ambient temperature and the starter’s vigor.

Why is my sourdough starter bubbling but not rising? A sourdough starter might bubble but not rise if it lacks sufficient yeast activity or if the fermentation conditions are not optimal.

Why is my sourdough dense and gummy? Dense and gummy sourdough could result from insufficient fermentation, overproofing, or inadequate gluten development.

Why is my sourdough flat and sticky? A flat and sticky sourdough might be the result of overhydration, insufficient gluten development, or improper shaping.

How jiggly should sourdough be? Sourdough should have some elasticity and resistance but still feel somewhat jiggly and extensible when gently stretched.

How do you know if high hydration dough is proofed? High hydration dough is proofed when it shows signs of increased volume, a slightly domed shape, and when an indentation made with a finger holds its shape.

How much salt do you put in sourdough bread? A typical salt percentage for sourdough bread ranges from 1.8% to 2.2% of the flour weight.