Bread Loaf Size Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the bread loaf size calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Formulas Used

Total Dough Weight

dough_weight = round(dough_weight_g)

Flour (approx 60% of dough)

flour_g = round(dough_weight_g * 0.6)

Water (approx 35% of dough)

water_g = round(dough_weight_g * 0.35)

Pan Volume

pan_volume = round(pan_volume_cu_in)

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
pan_length_inPan Length(in)9
pan_width_inPan Width(in)5
pan_height_inPan Height(in)3
pan_volume_cu_inDerived value= pan_length_in * pan_width_in * pan_height_incalculated
dough_weight_gDerived value= pan_volume_cu_in * 6.5calculated

How It Works

How Bread Loaf Size Is Calculated

Formula

Dough Weight = Pan Volume (cu in) x 6.5 g/cu in

Bread dough should fill the pan about 2/3 full before rising. The dough will rise to fill the pan and dome slightly above it during baking.

Common Pan Sizes

| Pan Size | Volume | Dough Weight | |----------|--------|-------------| | 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 | 96 cu in | 620 g | | 9 x 5 x 3 | 135 cu in | 878 g | | 10 x 5 x 3 | 150 cu in | 975 g |

Worked Example

Calculate dough for a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan.

pan_length_in = 9pan_width_in = 5pan_height_in = 3
  1. 01Pan volume = 9 x 5 x 3 = 135 cu in.
  2. 02Dough weight = 135 x 6.5 = 878 g.
  3. 03Flour = 878 x 0.6 = 527 g.
  4. 04Water = 878 x 0.35 = 307 g.

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Bread Loaf Size Calculator