𧫠Yeast Converter
Convert between active dry, instant, and fresh yeast amounts.
Equivalent Amounts
How to Use This Calculator
This converter calculates the correct amount of yeast to use when swapping between active dry yeast, instant yeast (also called rapid-rise or bread machine yeast), and fresh yeast (also called cake yeast). Enter the amount you have and select the type, then pick the type you want to convert to.
Enter the amount of yeast your recipe calls for and its type (active dry, instant, or fresh).
Select the yeast type you want to substitute with. The converted amount appears immediately.
Note whether the conversion is in teaspoons or grams. Weight is more accurate for fresh yeast.
If converting to active dry yeast, remember you need to proof it in warm water (38-43Β°C / 100-110Β°F) for 5 to 10 minutes before using.
Yeast Conversion Ratios
Instant yeast has a higher concentration of active cells than active dry, so you need less of it. Fresh yeast has the highest water content, which is why you need three times as much by weight to match the same leavening power as active dry. All three will leaven bread effectively once you use the right amount.
Worked Examples
When Yeast Conversion Matters
Many bread recipes, especially older ones from European baking traditions, specify fresh yeast in grams. If you live somewhere where fresh yeast is hard to find, you need to convert to active dry or instant. The conversion ratios here are based on the yeast cell concentration differences between the three forms and are reliable for standard bread recipes.
Sourdough bakers sometimes add a small amount of commercial yeast to speed up fermentation, especially for same-day baking. For this, instant yeast is the most convenient since it mixes directly into dry ingredients without proofing. Active dry yeast is the most widely available globally and works well for any recipe, with the extra step of proofing in warm water before adding to the dough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ratio of active dry to instant yeast?
Use 75% as much instant yeast as active dry: if recipe calls for 1 tsp active dry, use 3/4 tsp instant. Instant yeast is more potent per gram.
What is the ratio of fresh to active dry yeast?
Fresh yeast is about 3Γ the amount needed compared to active dry. 1 tsp active dry β 3 tsp (10g) fresh yeast.
Can I substitute instant yeast for active dry without changes?
Yes β just reduce quantity by 25%. Instant yeast doesn't need to be proofed first; add it directly to dry ingredients.
What is rapid rise / bread machine yeast?
These are forms of instant yeast with smaller granule size for faster activation. Convert the same way as instant yeast.
Can I use sourdough starter instead of commercial yeast?
Yes but it requires a full sourdough recipe adaptation. Generally 200g of 100% hydration starter replaces 7g (1 tsp) active dry yeast, plus adjust flour/water in recipe.