How to use the yeast conversion calculator
- Enter the amount of yeast in the recipe, choose the unit and pick the type the recipe uses.
- Pick the type of yeast you have.
- Check the two ratios. They are examples, so change them to match your package or recipe. If you use teaspoons, check the grams per teaspoon too.
- Read the amount to use and the table that shows all three types.
Formula
Grams = amount converted to grams
Result = grams / (ratio of the recipe type) x (ratio of your type)
Ratios per 1 of fresh yeast by weight: fresh 1, active dry 0.4, instant 0.33 (editable examples)
Ounces use 28.3495 grams. Teaspoons use the grams per teaspoon you enter.
From instant yeast to fresh
A recipe calls for 7 g of instant yeast and you have fresh yeast. With the example ratios, 7 / 0.33 x 1 = 21.2 g of fresh yeast. The same amount of rising power is 8.5 g of active dry yeast.
A recipe that uses 2.25 teaspoons of active dry yeast at 3.1 g a teaspoon is 6.975 g, which converts to 5.8 g of instant yeast.
Why these are rules of thumb
Fresh yeast is mostly water, active dry yeast is dried and instant yeast is dried in a finer form that works faster. Because of that, you need more by weight of fresh than of dry. The exact ratios depend on brand and on how the recipe is built, and bakers quote different numbers, so the ratios here are examples that you can change.
Dough with a lot of sugar or fat, a cold rise or a very long ferment can behave differently, and old yeast is weaker. When a recipe gives times, treat the time as a guide and watch the dough, not the clock.
Weigh when you can
Teaspoons of yeast vary with how finely the yeast is packed, so a scale is more reliable. The grams per teaspoon field lets you use your own measurement. Active dry yeast is often dissolved in warm water first, while instant yeast can usually be mixed straight into the flour, but follow the package for your brand.
For other kitchen conversions, see the cooking measurement converter, the ingredient grams to cups converter and the baking pan size converter. The rice water ratio calculator covers another staple.
Assumptions and limits
- The conversions are rules of thumb, not exact science.
- The ratios and grams per teaspoon are editable examples. Use your package or recipe.
- Fresh yeast is shown in grams and ounces, not teaspoons.
- Old or damp yeast may be weaker than the numbers suggest.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert fresh yeast to dry yeast?
Use a ratio by weight, such as the example here where active dry is 0.4 of fresh and instant is 0.33 of fresh. Change the ratios if your recipe or package says otherwise.
Can I swap instant yeast for active dry yeast?
Often yes, using a small adjustment in weight. The tool shows the amount for each type, and active dry yeast is often dissolved in warm water first.
Why not use teaspoons for fresh yeast?
Fresh yeast is sold by weight and crumbled or pressed, so a teaspoon measure is not reliable. The tool shows grams and ounces for it.
Are these conversions exact?
No. They are rules of thumb, and the exact ratio depends on the brand and recipe, which is why you can edit them.