Question 1

How do you calculate pizza dough using baker's percentages?

Accepted Answer

Baker's percentages express all ingredients as a percentage of flour weight, which is always 100%. To calculate: 1) Determine total dough weight needed (number of pizzas × dough ball weight), 2) Add up all percentages (flour 100% + water % + salt % + yeast %), 3) Calculate flour weight: (Total dough weight × 100) ÷ Total percentage, 4) Calculate other ingredients: (Flour weight × Ingredient %) ÷ 100. This method ensures consistency and easy scaling.

Question 2

What is pizza dough hydration and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Hydration is the water-to-flour ratio expressed as a percentage. A 65% hydration means 65g water per 100g flour. Hydration dramatically affects dough properties: 55-60% (Neapolitan, firm, easy to handle), 60-65% (Classic, versatile), 65-70% (NY-style, crispy and chewy), 70%+ (Very open crumb, sticky, advanced). Higher hydration creates airier pizza but is harder to work with. Match hydration to your skill level and desired outcome.

Question 3

What weight should each pizza dough ball be?

Accepted Answer

Dough ball weight depends on pizza size and desired thickness: 10-inch pizza: 180-220g, 12-inch pizza: 230-280g, 14-inch pizza: 280-350g, 16-inch pizza: 350-450g, 18-inch pizza: 450-550g. Neapolitan pizzas use lighter dough (200-250g for 12") for thin crust. New York-style uses heavier (280-320g for 12") for structural integrity. Start with 250g for 12" and adjust based on desired thickness.

Question 4

How much salt should be in pizza dough?

Accepted Answer

Salt typically ranges from 1.8% to 2.5% of flour weight. Standard is 2%. Salt serves multiple purposes: enhances flavor, strengthens gluten structure, controls fermentation speed, and improves texture. Too little salt (<1.5%) results in bland taste and overly fast fermentation. Too much (>3%) inhibits yeast activity and tastes salty. For metric: if using 500g flour, use 10g salt (2%).

Question 5

How much yeast should I use for pizza dough?

Accepted Answer

Yeast percentage depends on fermentation time and temperature: Same-day room temp: 1-2%, Overnight room temp: 0.5-1%, 24-hour cold ferment: 0.3-0.5%, 48-72 hour cold ferment: 0.1-0.3%, Sourdough starter: 20-30% (different calculation). Less yeast = longer fermentation = more flavor. Instant dry yeast is standard. If using active dry yeast, multiply by 1.25. Fresh yeast: multiply instant amount by 3.

Question 6

What type of flour is best for pizza dough?

Accepted Answer

Bread flour (12-13% protein) is ideal for most pizza styles. High protein creates strong gluten for structure and chew. All-purpose flour (10-11% protein) works but produces softer crust. Italian 00 flour (12% protein, finely milled) is traditional for Neapolitan pizza, creating crispy exterior and soft interior. For home ovens, bread flour is most reliable. Protein content matters more than flour type for structure.

Question 7

How do you calculate pizza dough for different pizza sizes?

Accepted Answer

Use dough weight per pizza based on size: Calculate total dough needed: (Number of pizzas × Dough ball weight), Then use calculator with total weight. For mixed sizes: calculate each size separately and sum ingredients, or convert all to area (π × radius²) and proportion dough by area. Example: 10" pizza needs ~200g, 14" pizza needs ~300g (1.96× area = 1.5× weight).

Question 8

Can I use this calculator for sourdough pizza?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but replace yeast percentage with sourdough starter percentage (typically 20-30% of flour weight). Sourdough starter is 100% hydration (equal flour and water), so adjust hydration calculation: if using 200g starter (100g flour, 100g water), reduce additional water by 100g and additional flour by 100g. Sourdough fermentation is slower; use 0% yeast and allow 8-24 hours room temp or 24-72 hours cold fermentation.

Question 9

What is the difference between cold ferment and room temperature fermentation?

Accepted Answer

Cold fermentation (39-50°F) develops complex flavors over 24-72 hours, creates more digestible dough, provides flexible timing, and produces superior taste. Room temperature (70-75°F) is faster (2-8 hours depending on yeast amount), convenient for same-day pizza, but has less flavor development. Cold ferment requires less yeast (0.1-0.3%) while room temp needs more (0.5-2%). Cold fermentation is preferred by professionals for flavor.

Question 10

How do you adjust pizza dough recipe for high altitude?

Accepted Answer

At high altitude (>3,000 feet), make these adjustments: Increase hydration by 1-2% (lower air pressure = faster moisture evaporation), Reduce yeast by 20-25% (faster fermentation at altitude), Slightly reduce salt (faster fermentation needs less control), Shorter fermentation times (yeast is more active), Higher baking temperature if possible. At 5,000+ feet, these adjustments become critical. Test and adjust based on your specific altitude and conditions.

Pizza Dough Calculator - Baker's Percentage Calculator & Pizza Dough Hydration Calculator

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Pizza Dough Calculator Types & Styles

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Baker's Percentage Formula

Understanding Hydration Levels

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Neapolitan Pizza Example

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