Baking powder substitute calculator
Baking powder is just baking soda with its acid already mixed in. Tell us how much the recipe needs and what acid you have, and we’ll build the replacement.
Instead of 2 tsp baking powder, use
½ tsp baking soda
+ 1 tsp cream of tartar
Closest to real baking powder. Mix it with the dry ingredients. ≈ 3.0 g baking soda.
Soda, powder and acid: how they relate
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) releases carbon dioxide when it meets an acid and moisture. Baking powder is baking soda pre-mixed with one or two dry acids and a starch buffer. Most supermarket baking powder is “double-acting”: some gas forms when the batter is mixed and more when it heats in the oven.
| You need | Use instead |
|---|---|
| 1 tsp baking powder | ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartar |
| 1 tsp baking powder | ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ cup buttermilk (less ½ cup other liquid) |
| 1 tsp baking soda | 3 tsp baking powder (lighter browning) |
| 1 cup self-rising flour | 1 cup all-purpose + 1½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt |
Measuring in grams? Baking powder weighs about 4 g per teaspoon and baking soda about 6 g; the baking soda and baking powder charts have every spoon size.
Questions bakers ask
How do I make baking powder?
Mix 1 part baking soda with 2 parts cream of tartar. ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartar replaces 1 tsp baking powder. Add ¼ tsp cornstarch if you are making a batch to store; it absorbs moisture.
Can I use baking soda instead of baking powder?
Yes, but only with an acid. Baking soda is roughly three to four times stronger, so use ¼ tsp soda for each 1 tsp powder, plus an acid such as ½ cup buttermilk or yogurt (reduce other liquid by the same), or ½ tsp lemon juice or vinegar.
Can I use baking powder instead of baking soda?
You can, but you need about three times as much, which can taste slightly bitter and won’t neutralise acidic ingredients as well. 1 tsp baking soda ≈ 3 tsp baking powder. Browning will be lighter.
How do I test whether baking powder still works?
Stir ½ tsp into ¼ cup of hot water. Fresh baking powder fizzes immediately. For baking soda, add a splash of vinegar instead.
What about self-rising flour?
Self-rising flour already contains leavening. To make 1 cup: 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g) + 1½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp fine salt.