Boneyard Tools

Yeast Conversion Calculator

Convert a yeast amount between active dry, instant (rapid-rise) and fresh (cake) yeast. Enter the amount your recipe lists and pick the type you actually have on hand.

How to convert yeast types

  1. Type the yeast amount your recipe calls for, in grams.
  2. Pick the yeast type the recipe lists and the type you have.
  3. Read the converted amount, then mix and proof as your recipe directs.

Examples

Active dry to instant

10 g active dry
7.5 g instant

Active dry to fresh

10 g active dry
20 g fresh

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert active dry yeast to instant yeast?

Use 0.75 times the active dry amount. So 10 grams of active dry yeast becomes about 7.5 grams of instant yeast. Instant yeast is finer and a little more active, so you need less.

How do I convert dry yeast to fresh yeast?

Fresh, or cake, yeast is about twice the weight of active dry yeast. So 10 grams of active dry yeast equals roughly 20 grams of fresh yeast. Crumble fresh yeast into the dough.

What are the conversion factors used here?

Relative to active dry yeast: instant equals 0.75 times active dry, and fresh equals 2.0 times active dry. So 1 gram of active dry yeast is 0.75 gram of instant and 2 grams of fresh.

Can I swap instant and active dry one for one?

In a pinch many bakers do, but the precise ratio is instant equals 0.75 times active dry. Instant can also be added straight to dry ingredients, while active dry is often proofed first.

Does the yeast type change the rise time?

Yes. Instant or rapid-rise yeast tends to work faster, while fresh yeast can be slower and is more perishable. Adjust proofing by look and feel, not just the clock.

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