Bread Hydration Calculator

Calculate hydration, build a dough formula from your flour amount, or estimate a dough formula from total dough weight.

© Grandma’s Iron Skillet

What is my dough hydration?

Enter your ingredients below. This version can include starter and selected enriched ingredients in the hydration estimate.

Main Dough Ingredients

Optional Starter

Optional Enriched Ingredients

Water estimates used: milk 87%, egg 74%, honey 17%, maple syrup 33%, sugar 0%, butter 16%, oil 0%.

I know my flour amount

Enter your total flour target and target hydration. Salt and yeast default to grams, or you can switch to baker’s percentages.

Formula Targets

Optional Starter

Not sure what your starter hydration is? Use my starter ratio and hydration calculator first, then come back here.

Optional Enriched Ingredients

Water estimates used: milk 87%, egg 74%, honey 17%, maple syrup 33%, sugar 0%, butter 16%, oil 0%.

I know my total dough size

Enter your target dough weight and hydration to estimate the flour and water. Salt and yeast default to grams, or you can switch to baker’s percentages.

Formula Targets

Optional Starter

Not sure what your starter hydration is? Use my starter ratio and hydration calculator first, then come back here.

Optional Enriched Ingredients

Water estimates used: milk 87%, egg 74%, honey 17%, maple syrup 33%, sugar 0%, butter 16%, oil 0%.

Fresh Milled Hydration Guide

  • 60–70% = firmer dough, easier to handle
  • 70–80% = common range for many fresh milled breads
  • 80%+ = softer, wetter dough that may feel sticky

Fresh milled flour often absorbs more water than commercial flour. The same hydration percentage may feel different depending on the grain, how finely it’s milled, and how long the dough rests.

By using this tool, you agree to our Terms of Use.

This calculator is designed to give helpful estimates, but real dough can vary. Flour type, starter hydration, grain variety, milling method, and room conditions can all affect your final results. Always adjust as needed based on dough feel and your own baking experience.