Recipe scaler

Divide the servings you need by the servings the recipe makes, then multiply every ingredient by that factor. Going from 4 to 6 servings is a factor of 1.5, so 2 cups of flour becomes 3 cups; going from 4 to 2 is 0.5. The Institute of Child Nutrition advises converting mixed amounts such as 1 lb 8 oz to one unit (1.5 lb) before multiplying.

Half of 1/3 cup is 1/6 cup: 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons, because a US cup holds 16 tablespoons and a tablespoon holds 3 teaspoons. Half of 3/4 cup is 3/8 cup, or 6 tablespoons. When no standard measure matches, the calculator shows the nearest eighth or third with ≈ and gives the exact decimal in the table.

Often, because baking time depends on the depth of the batter more than on its amount. Doubled batter in the same pan is twice as deep and needs longer; spread over a pan with twice the area, it keeps its depth and bakes in close to the original time. Keep the oven temperature the same and test for doneness early.

No. A US customary cup is 8 US fluid ounces, 236.6 mL, while the metric cup used in Australia and New Zealand is 250 mL, about 6% larger. Scaling works the same in both systems because every amount is multiplied by the same factor. NIST advises weighing ingredients on a kitchen scale for accuracy rather than measuring by volume.

Accuracy depends on your inputs and the method's assumptions. Decimal arithmetic uses 50 significant digits, but estimates, numerical methods and source data can be less precise; the displayed rounding does not remove those limits. It is checked against 5 worked examples whose answers come from independent sources; for example, “Default recipe from 4 to 6 servings” is checked against Python fractions: 2×3/2 = 3, 3/2×3/2 = 9/4, 3/4×3/2 = 9/8, 1/3×3/2 = 1/2, 250×3/2 = 375.

Institute of Child Nutrition — Adjusting standardized recipes (factor = new yield ÷ old yield); NIST Metric Kitchen — Culinary measurement tips.