Gluten Development Score Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the gluten development score calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Gluten Development Score Calculator

Formulas Used

Gluten Development Score

gluten_score = round(protein_pct * 5 + mix_minutes * 3 + folds * 5 + (autolyse > 0 ? 10 : 0) + (hydration >= 65 ? (hydration - 65) * 0.3 : 0))

Windowpane Test

windowpane_likely = (protein_pct * 5 + mix_minutes * 3 + folds * 5 + (autolyse > 0 ? 10 : 0)) >= 90 ? 1 : 0

Crumb Openness Factor

crumb_prediction = round((hydration - 55) * 1.5 + folds * 3)

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
protein_pctFlour Protein(%)12
hydrationDough Hydration(%)70
mix_minutesMixing / Kneading Time(minutes)10
foldsStretch-and-Fold Sets0
autolyseAutolyse Time(minutes)0
protein_scoreDerived value= protein_pct * 5calculated
hydration_bonusDerived value= hydration >= 65 ? (hydration - 65) * 0.3 : 0calculated

How It Works

How to Estimate Gluten Development

Scoring Formula

Score = (Protein x 5) + (Mix Minutes x 3) + (Folds x 5) + Autolyse Bonus + Hydration Bonus

Interpretation

  • Under 60: Minimal development (biscuits, scones)
  • 60-90: Moderate development (sandwich bread, pizza)
  • 90-120: Strong development (artisan bread, bagels)
  • 120+: Very strong development (high-gluten applications)

    • The windowpane test (stretching dough thin enough to see light through it) typically passes when the score is 90 or above. Autolyse (resting flour and water before adding salt and yeast) contributes significant passive development.

    Worked Example

    12% protein flour, 70% hydration, 10 minutes mixing, no folds, no autolyse.

    protein_pct = 12hydration = 70mix_minutes = 10folds = 0autolyse = 0
    1. 01Protein score = 12 x 5 = 60
    2. 02Mixing score = 10 x 3 = 30
    3. 03Folds = 0 x 5 = 0
    4. 04Autolyse bonus = 0
    5. 05Hydration bonus = (70 - 65) x 0.3 = 1.5
    6. 06Total = round(60 + 30 + 0 + 0 + 1.5) = 92 (strong development)

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Gluten Development Score Calculator