What is a good hydration for beginners?

Start with 60-65% hydration. The dough is easier to handle. As you gain experience, try higher hydrations for more open crumb structure.

Does milk count as hydration?

Yes, but milk is about 87% water. If using 100 g milk, count about 87 g toward hydration.

How does hydration affect bread texture?

Higher hydration produces larger holes and a chewier crumb. Lower hydration gives a tighter, softer crumb that is better for sandwiches.

Dough Hydration Calculator

Calculate the hydration percentage of bread dough. Hydration is the ratio of water weight to flour weight.

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Flour Weight

Water Weight

Hydration

70.0 %

Total Weight850 g

View formula & how it works →

How to Calculate Dough Hydration

Formula

Hydration % = (Water Weight / Flour Weight) x 100

Hydration Guide

50-57%: Bagels, pretzels (stiff dough)

58-65%: Sandwich bread, rolls

66-72%: French bread, baguettes

73-80%: Ciabatta, focaccia (wet dough)

80%+: Very slack doughs, some sourdoughs

Example Calculation

Calculate hydration for 500 g flour and 350 g water.

01Hydration = (water / flour) x 100.
02Hydration = (350 / 500) x 100 = 70%.
03This is a moderately wet dough suitable for artisan bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Recipe Scaling Guide - How to Double, Halve, or Adjust Any Recipe

Learn how to scale recipes up or down accurately. Covers multiplying ingredients, adjusting cooking times and temperatures, and avoiding common scaling mistakes.

Dough Hydration Calculator

How to Calculate Dough Hydration

Formula

Hydration Guide

Example Calculation

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Scaling Guide - How to Double, Halve, or Adjust Any Recipe

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