Recipe Scaling

Original Servings 4
servings
1 5 10 15 20
Original number of servings in the recipe
Desired Servings 8
servings
1 13 25 38 50
Number of servings you want to make
Scaling Factor
2.0x
Quickly adjust with common scaling factors
Recipe Type Baking
Different recipes scale differently
Measurement System Imperial
Choose your preferred measurement system

Recipe Scaling Summary

Doubled
Original
4 servings
Desired
8 servings
Multiplier
2.0x
Increase
+100%

Scaled Ingredients

Ingredient Original Scaled Change

Recipe Adjustments

Baking Time Guide

Scaling Tips

When doubling a baking recipe, increase oven temperature by 25°F and reduce baking time slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Recipe Scaling Guide

Linear Scaling

For most ingredients: Multiply by scaling factor

Formula: New Amount = Original Amount × (Desired Servings ÷ Original Servings)
Example: 2 cups flour for 4 servings → 4 cups for 8 servings

Adjusted Scaling

For baking recipes: Some ingredients scale differently

Leavening agents: Scale by 75% of factor
Example: 1 tsp baking powder for 4 servings → 1.5 tsp for 8 servings (not 2 tsp)

Pan Size Adjustments

When changing pan sizes: Adjust baking time

Rule: Volume changes affect baking time significantly
Example: Doubling recipe → Use two pans or increase baking time by 25%

Seasonings & Spices

For herbs and spices: Scale cautiously

Rule: Start with 75% and adjust to taste
Example: 1 tsp salt for 4 servings → 1.5 tsp for 8 servings, then adjust

About Recipe Scaling

The Recipe Converter helps you scale recipes up or down for different serving sizes. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or scaling down for a smaller group, this tool ensures accurate ingredient adjustments while maintaining flavor balance.

Scaling Factors for Different Recipe Types

Recipe Type Scaling Method Special Considerations Examples
Baking Adjusted scaling Leavening agents scale at 75%, eggs may need adjustment Cakes, cookies, bread
Cooking Linear scaling Seasonings scale at 75%, taste and adjust Sauces, stir-fries, casseroles
Soups & Stews Easy scaling Liquid amounts scale linearly, herbs at 75% Soups, chili, braises
Salads Linear scaling Dressings scale linearly, taste and adjust Green salads, pasta salads
Drinks Linear scaling Alcohol and mixers scale linearly Cocktails, punches, smoothies

Common Baking Adjustments

Eggs

  • Whole eggs: Scale linearly (2 eggs → 4 eggs)
  • Partial eggs: Beat egg, measure needed amount
  • Large to medium: 1 large egg = 1.25 medium eggs
  • Egg whites only: Scale linearly

Leavening Agents

  • Baking powder: Scale at 75% of factor
  • Baking soda: Scale at 75% of factor
  • Yeast: Scale linearly for active dry yeast
  • Cream of tartar: Scale linearly

Oven Adjustments

  • Temperature: Increase by 25°F when doubling
  • Time: Reduce slightly, check early
  • Pan size: Affects baking time significantly
  • Rack position: May need adjustment

Measurement Conversions

Weight to Volume

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour = 120g
  • 1 cup granulated sugar = 200g
  • 1 cup butter = 227g (2 sticks)
  • 1 cup water = 240g
  • 1 cup brown sugar = 220g (packed)

Spoon Measurements

  • 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon
  • 4 tablespoons = ¼ cup
  • 8 tablespoons = ½ cup
  • 16 tablespoons = 1 cup
  • 1 tablespoon = 15 mL

Common Equivalents

  • 1 stick butter = ½ cup = 8 tbsp
  • 1 lemon = 3 tbsp juice
  • 1 medium onion = 1 cup chopped
  • 1 garlic clove = 1 tsp minced
  • 1 egg = ¼ cup (approx.)

Scaling Tips by Servings

Small Batch (½ recipe)

  • Use smaller pans
  • Reduce baking time by 25%
  • Adjust seasonings carefully
  • Consider using half eggs

Double Batch (2x)

  • Increase oven temp by 25°F
  • Use multiple pans
  • Rotate pans halfway through
  • Leavening agents at 1.5x

Large Batch (4x+)

  • Consider making in batches
  • Use commercial equipment
  • Adjust cooking methods
  • Test small batch first
Note: Recipe scaling is both art and science. These guidelines provide starting points, but always use your judgment. Taste and adjust seasonings as you cook. For baking, exact measurements are more critical than for general cooking. When in doubt, make a test batch first.

How do I scale a recipe for different serving sizes?

Calculate the scaling factor: Desired Servings ÷ Original Servings. Multiply each ingredient amount by this factor. For baking recipes, adjust leavening agents at 75% of the scaling factor.

Do all ingredients scale the same way?

No. Most ingredients scale linearly, but leavening agents (baking powder, baking soda) should be scaled at 75% of the factor. Seasonings and spices should also be scaled cautiously - start with 75% and adjust to taste.

How do I adjust baking time when scaling recipes?

When doubling a recipe, increase oven temperature by 25°F and reduce baking time slightly. Check for doneness 5-10 minutes earlier than the original recipe suggests. Use the toothpick test for cakes.

Can I scale recipes with eggs?

Yes. For whole eggs, scale linearly. For partial eggs, beat the egg and measure the needed amount. Example: For 1.5 eggs, beat one egg and use half of another beaten egg.

What's the best way to scale seasonings and spices?

Start with 75% of the scaled amount, then taste and adjust. Some spices (like cayenne) can become overpowering when scaled linearly. It's easier to add more than to fix an overseasoned dish.