Sourdough Starter Feeding Ratio: How Much To Feed & How Often
Sourdough Starter Feeding Ratio? The Simple Guide.
1:1:1 vs 1:2:2 vs 1:3:3 — which one? Here's exactly how much to feed, how often, and why thicker ratios fix most starter problems.
Get Starter With Simple Ratio Guide →The ratio explained simply
Ratio = starter : flour : water by WEIGHT, not volume.
| Ratio | Example | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 1:1:1 | 25g starter + 25g flour + 25g water | Thin, gets acidic fast. Not recommended daily. |
| 1:2:2 | 25g starter + 50g flour + 50g water | Daily maintenance — our go-to. |
| 1:3:3 | 20g starter + 60g flour + 60g water | Revive weak / hungry / acetone smell / hooch. |
The Easy Solution: Simple Ratio That Keeps It Active
Squirrelly Girl Starter is a mature bakery culture from Squirrelly Girl Sourdough — our included guide uses simple 1:2:2 and 1:3:3 ratios that keep it thick and doubling, not watery and acidic.
- Simple to follow: No confusing math — 25g starter + 50g flour + 50g water.
- Thick feeds = more rise: Holds bubbles instead of collapsing into liquid.
- Less hooch, less acetone: Bigger feeds mean less hunger, less dark liquid and sharp smell.
- 100% Activation Guarantee: Follow included guide. If it doesn't activate, we replace or refund.
- Keep it forever: Same easy ratio for maintenance once active.
Free worldwide shipping • Dehydrated for freshness • Includes step-by-step guide
How To Feed In 3 Steps
Keep 25g starter, discard rest. Small amount + big feed = stronger.
25g starter + 40g unbleached all-purpose + 10g whole rye + 50g filtered water. Stir well.
On counter feed every 12 hours. In fridge feed weekly. Should double in 4-8 hrs at warm temp.
If hooch forms in under 12 hours or smells like acetone, switch to 1:3:3 — 20g starter + 60g flour + 60g water.
People Also Ask
What is best ratio for sourdough starter?
1:2:2 for daily use: 25g starter + 50g flour + 50g water. 1:3:3 to revive weak starter. 1:1:1 is too thin and gets acidic fast.
How much flour and water should I feed?
At least equal weight to starter, ideally double. Keep 25g starter, feed 50g flour + 50g water. Always by weight with scale, not cups.
Can I overfeed sourdough starter?
Yes if ratio is too big like 1:10:10 when weak — dilutes yeast too much. Stick to 1:2:2 or 1:3:3. Thick and steady wins.
How often to feed?
Counter: every 12 hours. Fridge: once a week. If daily hooch or acetone smell, feed more often or increase to 1:3:3.
Simple Ratio = Thick, Active Starter.
Get the bakery culture with the simple guide that keeps it bubbling.
Get Squirrelly Girl Starter — $19.99 US →Free worldwide shipping from Princeton, BC, Canada • Real support from real bakers
Our 100% Activation Guarantee
Zero Risk. Zero Guesswork. Just Real Sourdough.
Bake or Get Covered: If your starter fails to activate into a bubbly, active, bake-ready culture.
We’ll either send you a fresh replacement batch completely free or issue a 100% refund.
No hoops to jump through, no complicated returns, and no hard feelings.