Yeast Converter

Convert between instant, active dry, and fresh yeast. Active dry = instant × 1.25, fresh = instant × 3.

Yeast Converter

Convert between instant, active dry, and fresh yeast

grams

Tip: a standard US packet is 7g (¼ oz, about 2¼ teaspoons).

Instant Yeast
5.6g
≈ 1.8 tsp · 0.8 packet
Active Dry Yeast
7.0g
≈ 2.3 tsp · 1.0 packet
Fresh Yeast
17g
≈ 0.4 of a 42g cube

Yeast Conversion Chart

All three yeast types can leaven the same dough — they just pack different amounts of leavening power per gram:

Instant YeastActive Dry YeastFresh Yeast
5g6.3g15g
7g (1 packet)8.8g21g
10g12.5g30g
15g18.8g45g
20g25.0g60g
25g31.3g75g
42g52.5g126g (3 cubes)

A US packet of dry yeast is 7g (¼ oz, about 2¼ teaspoons). A standard fresh yeast cube is 42g in Europe (US cakes are 17g).

How to Substitute Each Type

Instant Yeast

Mix directly into the dry ingredients — no proofing needed. Also sold as "rapid-rise" or "bread machine" yeast.

Active Dry Yeast

Dissolve in warm water (40-43°C / 105-110°F) for 5-10 minutes before using. Modern active dry can often skip this, but proofing confirms it's alive.

Fresh Yeast

Crumble into the liquid or rub into the flour. Prized by professional bakers for flavor, but it only keeps about two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Instant yeast has finer granules and more live cells per gram, so it can be mixed straight into dry ingredients. Active dry yeast has larger granules with a coating of inactive cells, which is why it is traditionally dissolved in warm water first and why you need about 25% more of it.

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