How to Choose the Right Bread Pan Size + Free Dough Calculator

Are you ever unsure how much dough to put in your bread pan? Using the wrong pan size can lead to flat loaves, overflowing dough, or inconsistent results. This Bread Pan Capacity Calculator makes it easy to calculate the perfect dough weight for any bread pan size, whether you bake sandwich bread, sourdough, or artisan loaves.


Why Bread Pan Size Matters Choosing the correct bread pan size ensures:

  • Even baking without undercooked centers
  • Proper rise and shape for your loaf
  • Consistent results for recipes like sourdough, sandwich bread, or enriched loaves

Different bread recipes require different dough weights. For example, a 9x5 inch pan holds more dough than an 8x4 inch pan, and overfilling can cause mushrooming or collapsed tops.


How to Calculate Bread Pan Capacity:

Bread pans are typically measured by length × width × height, but visual measurements don’t always tell you how much dough they can hold.

  1. Measure your pan in inches or centimeters
  2. Enter the dimensions into our Bread Pan Size Calculator
  3. Instantly see:
    • Max capacity in grams
    • Recommended dough weights at 30%, 40%, 45%, 50%, and 55% fill

Tip: Most sandwich breads bake best at 40–45% capacity, while enriched or dense breads may use 50–55% for a taller loaf.


Try the Bread Pan Size & Capacity Calculator
This free tool works with any bread pan, including:

  • 8x4 inch pans – great for 500–700g loaves
  • 9x5 inch pans – standard for 800–1000g dough
  • Pullman loaf pans – for perfectly square sandwich bread
  • Custom or unique sizes – simply enter your dimensions to get an exact answer

Printable Bread Pan Chart
We’re also including a printable bread pan size chart in our eBook, Unlock the Power of Fresh Flour. Coming soon! Keep it handy in your kitchen for quick reference!


Whether you bake sourdough, sandwich bread, or artisan loaves, knowing your bread pan’s capacity will help you get consistent, bakery-quality results every time. Use the Bread Pan Capacity Calculator to find the perfect dough weight for your favorite recipes and never second-guess your pan size again!

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