Hydration is the secret language of sourdough baking. But calculating your true hydration by hand can be confusing when your starter brings its own water and flour to the mix.
This true dough hydration calculator does the heavy lifting, revealing your dough’s actual hydration percentage based on standard baker’s percentages. Master your crumb structure and gluten network with absolute confidence!
Why You’ll Love This Tool:
- The Hidden Hydration: If you add 100g of a 100% hydration sourdough starter to a recipe, your real hydration shifts! This true dough hydration calculator accurately factors in the hidden flour and water inside your levain.
- Predict Dough Behavior: Higher hydration means a stickier dough to handle, but rewards you with a beautifully open crumb. Knowing the number in advance tells you exactly what to expect on your workbench.
- Take Control of Your Crumb: Tweak the numbers and experiment like a pro. Adjust your water slightly in the calculator to hit that perfect hydration sweet spot for your specific flour type.
Calculate True Hydration
Enter your recipe’s flour, water, and starter amounts below.
True Dough Hydration
True Dough Hydration:
72.7%
Enjoyed this baking deep-dive? Join our Bakeklubb for monthly artisan baking notes and early access to upcoming workshops.
