Sourdough

Bake better sourdough, by the numbers.

Six free calculators and a stack of guides — sequenced so each one tells you exactly what to do next. Plan the formula, prep the starter, control the ferment, reuse the discard.

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Crusty sourdough boule cut open to show its airy crumb, with two slices on a wooden board
New · Featured tool

Sourdough Starter Manager

Log each feed, watch your starter rise in a 3D jar and record when it peaks. After two feeds it learns your own starter’s timing, so you know when it will be ready.

  • See the rise against the clock
  • Learns your starter’s peak time
  • Free, no account needed
Open the starter manager

The workflow

One calculator for every moment of the bake

New baker? Start at step 1 and follow the flow. Mid-bake already? Jump straight to the step that matches your problem.

01

Build the formula

Set hydration, target dough weight, and levain structure.

02

Prepare your culture

Feed and build starter strength for your schedule.

03

Control fermentation

Dial in timing based on temp, inoculation, and flour.

04

Reuse what remains

Convert discard into practical same-day recipes.

05

More calculators

Troubleshoot

Common problems these tools solve

  • Dough is too sticky to shape

    Use the hydration calculator to reduce water by 2–4% and compare handling immediately.

    Adjust hydration

  • Starter timing is inconsistent

    Use feeding and starter calculators together so inoculation and feed size match your bake window.

    Plan a starter feed

  • Bulk runs too long or too fast

    Use the bulk fermentation tool to adjust inoculation based on real dough temperature.

    Check fermentation timing

  • Discard keeps piling up

    Use the discard calculator to convert excess starter into practical, same-day recipes.

    Use your discard

Learn

Sourdough guides

These guides support the calculators — use them for better judgment on dough feel, fermentation readiness, shaping strength, and troubleshooting.

After the batch

What to do next after each bake

A simple log turns every loaf into data for the next one.

  1. 1

    Log the key numbers: hydration, starter percentage, dough temperature, and total bulk time.

  2. 2

    Write one dough note: sticky, tight, extensible, puffy, sluggish, or overactive.

  3. 3

    Write one bake note: oven spring, crumb openness, crust color, and flavor balance.

  4. 4

    Choose one change: for example hydration −2%, starter +5%, or a warmer dough temp.

  5. 5

    Repeat the structure: run the calculator again, compare outcomes, and keep what works.

FAQ

Common sourdough questions

What hydration percentage is best for beginners?
65–70% hydration is easiest for beginners — the dough is firmer and easier to shape. Most artisan sourdough is 75–80%. Above 85% is for experienced bakers only.
How often should I feed my sourdough starter?
At room temperature (20–22°C / 68–72°F), feed your starter once every 12–24 hours. In the fridge, once a week is enough. Our feeding calculator helps you work out exact amounts.
What does baker's percentage mean?
Baker's percentage expresses each ingredient as a percentage of the total flour weight. If a recipe has 1000g flour and 750g water, the hydration is 75%. Our hydration calculator handles all the maths.
How long should bulk fermentation take?
Typically 4–12 hours at room temperature, depending on dough temperature, starter percentage, and ambient conditions. At 26°C (79°F) with 20% starter, expect 4–5 hours. Our bulk fermentation calculator gives you a precise estimate.
Can I use sourdough discard in other recipes?
Yes — sourdough discard adds flavour to pancakes, crackers, waffles, pizza dough, and banana bread. It can't leaven baked goods on its own (it's too weak), but combined with baking powder or soda it works perfectly.

From our shop

  • The Sourdough Log (printed book) front cover with spiral binding

    Printed book · Delivered to you

    The Sourdough Log

    A spiral-bound book delivered to your door, ready to write in. 52 bake records in a spiral-bound journal that lies flat.

    Check on Etsy
  • The Sourdough Log (digital download) cover

    Digital download · Print at home

    The Sourdough Log

    Download the files and print your own copy. No book is shipped. 52 guided bake spreads to download and print at home.

    Check on Etsy
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