Understanding Recipe Scaling

Recipe scaling is the process of adjusting ingredient quantities in a recipe to yield a different number of servings than the original recipe. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just for one, knowing how to scale a recipe accurately is a fundamental skill for any home cook.

How to Calculate Recipe Scaling

To scale a recipe, you need to determine a scaling factor. This factor is the ratio of your desired yield to the original recipe's yield. Once you have this factor, you multiply every ingredient quantity by it.

The Recipe Scaling Formula

The formula for calculating the scaling factor is simple:

Scaling Factor = Desired Yield / Original Yield

Once you have the scaling factor, apply it to each ingredient:

New Ingredient Quantity = Original Ingredient Quantity × Scaling Factor

Step-by-Step Example

Let's say you have a cookie recipe that yields 24 cookies, but you only want to make 12 cookies.

Step 1: Determine your Desired Yield and Original Yield.
Desired Yield = 12 cookies
Original Yield = 24 cookies

Step 2: Calculate the Scaling Factor.
Scaling Factor = Desired Yield / Original Yield
Scaling Factor = 12 / 24 = 0.5

Step 3: Apply the Scaling Factor to each ingredient.
If the original recipe calls for 2 cups of flour:
New Flour Quantity = 2 cups × 0.5 = 1 cup

If the original recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar:
New Sugar Quantity = 1 cup × 0.5 = 0.5 cups (or 1/2 cup)

By following these steps, you can accurately adjust any recipe to fit your needs!