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Recipe Converter — Scale Ingredients

Scale any recipe to your desired serving size

Scale Factor: 2.00x

Scaled Recipe

4 servings → 8 servings (2.00x)

Flour
Originally: 2 cups
4
cups
Sugar
Originally: 1 cups
2
cups
Butter
Originally: 1/2 cups
1
cups
Scale Factor
2.00x
Ingredients
3
Servings
8

Recipe Scaling Tips

Baking Adjustments

When scaling baked goods by more than 2x, consider adjusting baking time and temperature. Larger batches may need lower temperatures and longer cook times.

Seasoning Carefully

Salt, spices, and strong flavors do not always scale linearly. Start with 75% of the scaled amount for seasonings and adjust to taste.

Leavening Agents

Baking powder and baking soda can be tricky when scaled up. For doubling, use the full amount; for 3x or more, use only about 2.5x the original.

Pan Sizes

A doubled recipe may not fit in the same pan. Use a larger pan or divide into two pans. Adjust baking time accordingly for different pan sizes.

Eggs and Dairy

Scale eggs directly by count. If a recipe calls for 2 eggs and you are halving, use 1 egg. For odd divisions, lightly beat the egg and measure half.

Cooking Liquids

Liquids in stews and sauces may not need to scale exactly. Start with slightly less than the scaled amount and add more as needed during cooking.

Measurement Reference

MeasurementEquivalentMetric
1 cup16 tbsp / 48 tsp237 ml
1 tbsp3 tsp15 ml
1 tsp1/3 tbsp5 ml
1 oz (fluid)2 tbsp30 ml
1 lb16 oz454 g
1 stick butter1/2 cup / 8 tbsp113 g

Example Calculations

1Double a Cookie Recipe (4 → 8 servings)

Inputs

Original4 servings
Desired8 servings
Scale factor2x

Result

Flour2 cups → 4 cups
Sugar1 cup → 2 cups
Butter1/2 cup → 1 cup

With a 2x scale factor, all ingredients are simply doubled. This is the most straightforward scaling scenario.

2Scale Down for Two (6 → 2 servings)

Inputs

Original6 servings
Desired2 servings
Scale factor0.33x

Result

Flour3 cups → 1 cup
Sugar1.5 cups → 1/2 cup

Scaling from 6 to 2 servings divides all ingredients by 3. The converter shows results in easy-to-measure fractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How do I double a recipe?

Set the original servings to your recipe's serving count and the desired servings to double that number. For example, if your recipe makes 4 servings, enter 4 as original and 8 as desired. All ingredients will be multiplied by 2. Note: for baking, leavening agents (baking powder/soda) may need slight reduction when more than doubling.

Q

How do I halve a recipe?

Enter your recipe's original serving count and half that number as desired servings. For example, 6 original and 3 desired gives a 0.5x scale factor. Odd eggs can be halved by beating the egg and measuring half. For very small amounts (like 1/8 tsp), use a pinch as an approximation.

Q

Do all ingredients scale equally?

Most ingredients scale linearly, but some need adjustment. Seasonings and salt should start at 75% of the scaled amount and be adjusted to taste. Baking powder/soda for 3x+ recipes should use about 2.5x the original. Cooking liquids in stews may need slightly less than the full scaled amount.

Q

How do I convert between measurement units?

Common conversions: 1 cup = 16 tbsp = 48 tsp = 237 ml. 1 tbsp = 3 tsp = 15 ml. 1 lb = 16 oz = 454 g. 1 stick butter = 1/2 cup = 8 tbsp = 113 g. When scaling produces awkward fractions, convert to a smaller unit for easier measuring.

Q

Should I adjust baking time when scaling?

When scaling up, larger volumes generally need lower temperature (25°F less) and longer baking time. When halving, use the same temperature but check for doneness earlier. Pan size matters too — if you change pan size, adjust time accordingly. Use a thermometer for accuracy.

See Also

  • Coffee to Water Calculator

    Perfect coffee brewing ratios

  • Kombucha Calculator

    Tea to sugar ratios for brewing

  • Sourdough Calculator

    Sourdough starter ratios

  • Unit Converter

    Convert between measurement units

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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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