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Sourdough Proofing Chart

Estimate a room-temperature or cold-proof window from proofing temperature and starter percentage, then check the dough's rise, shape and bubbles.

Use 15–32 °C for an estimate.
Starter relative to flour.
Cold proofing still depends on visual cues.

Result

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Track your starters — Sourdough Tracker on iPhone showing a list of starters with a countdown to the next feeding

How this sourdough proofing chart computes

This sourdough proofing chart maps temperature and starter percentage to a window, not a single precise time. It uses the 20% starter, 25 °C bulk-fermentation anchor of 4.5 hours and the Q10 rule: fermentation roughly doubles in rate per 10 °C.

Room-temperature dough is judged by a 30–50% rise, a domed jiggly surface and bubbles at the container edge. For a cold proof, refrigerate after shaping and treat the calculated window as a guide; the dough's visual cues decide readiness.

estimated hours = 4.5 × 2^((25 − temperature °C) ÷ 10) × ((100 ÷ starter %) ÷ 5); display window = estimate × 0.8–1.2

The model is shown only from roughly 15–32 °C because outside that band yeast and bacteria diverge and the estimate breaks. An aliquot jar—a small sample of the same dough in a straight-sided container—measures rise more reliably than the main vessel.

Sourdough proofing chart FAQ

What does the chart estimate?

It estimates a proofing window from temperature and starter percentage, then gives visual readiness checkpoints. It is a guide, not a promise of an exact finish time.

Why is the result a range?

Fermentation varies, so the tool presents a window rather than a single precise time. Check rise, surface shape and bubbles as well.

How much should sourdough rise?

For bulk fermentation, look for a 30–50% rise rather than doubling, which over-proofs most doughs.

Can I use this for a cold proof?

Yes, select cold proof for refrigerator-specific guidance, but use the dough's visual cues to decide readiness because refrigerator conditions vary.

What temperatures can it model?

The tool shows an estimate from roughly 15–32 °C. Outside that band it gives a warning instead of a time.