Recipe Scaler Calculator
Scale any recipe up or down between servings — get the exact new quantity for an ingredient and the multiplier to apply to the rest.
How it works
Scale factor = desired servings ÷ original servings · New amount = ingredient amount × scale factor
Scaling a recipe is pure proportion: work out one multiplier from the serving change and apply it to every ingredient. Doubling the servings doubles every quantity, and asking for 6 servings from a 4-serving recipe means multiplying by 1.5. Cooking times, pan sizes and seasoning do not scale linearly, so taste and check for doneness rather than trusting the multiplier for those.
Worked example
A recipe serves 4 and you need 6. The scale factor is 6 ÷ 4 = 1.5, so 2 cups of flour becomes 2 × 1.5 = 3 cups, and everything else grows by the same 1.5.
Frequently asked questions
Do cooking times scale with the recipe?
No. Ingredient amounts scale linearly, but cooking time depends on depth, pan size and surface area. A double batch in the same pan cooks longer, while spreading it across two pans keeps the time close to the original — always check doneness rather than the clock.
Should I scale spices and salt by the same factor?
Scale them as a starting point but taste as you go. Strong seasonings, leaveners and salt often need slightly less than the strict multiplier when you scale up, and a touch more when you scale down.
Can I use this to halve a recipe?
Yes. Enter fewer desired servings than the original and the factor drops below 1 — 2 servings from a 4-serving recipe gives a 0.5 factor, halving every quantity.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.