Blog · Recipe math

How to double or halve a recipe

Doubling a recipe? Salt, spices, oil for the pan, and cooking time don't just double. Here's how much to use, plus how to cut a recipe in half, based on university extension guidelines.

Double the recipe, not the salt. What doubles, what doesn't, and how to halve.

When you double it

salt and spices1½x, then taste
oil or butter to sauténo need to double
check for doneness atthe original time
baking pan2 of the original
don't scale past4x the recipe

Yeast breads, cakes, pies, and custards are the exception. They don't scale well.

Cutting a recipe in half

¾ cup6 tbsp
⅓ cup2 tbsp + 2 tsp
¼ cup2 tbsp
1 tbsp1½ tsp
1 large egg2 tbsp, beaten

Refrigerate the leftover beaten egg and use it within 2 to 4 days.

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When you double itCutting a recipe in halfCooking for a crowd?
Change the servings in Matlyst, and every ingredient amount updates. The salt is still up to you.

Cooking for a crowd?

Change the servings in Matlyst, and every ingredient amount updates. The salt is still up to you. Free to download for iPhone and Android.

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