Feeding Ratio

The proportion of starter to fresh flour and water when you feed it, written starter:flour:water by weight. A 1:1:1 feeding is equal parts of each, while something like 1:5:5 uses a small amount of starter with much more food. Bigger ratios usually take longer to reach peak and tend to give milder flavor, so you can pick a ratio to fit your schedule and your kitchen's temperature.

By Henry Hunter · Updated October 1, 2026

Henry's notes from the bench

• I maintain my starter at 1:1:1 because it fits my day. When I need it to wait longer, say overnight or while I'm out, I'll stretch the ratio so it peaks when I'm ready for it.