Need to change a recipe to make more or fewer servings?
This simple guide shows you how to adjust any ingredient amount based on the serving size you want.
Quick fact:
If you change the number of servings, every ingredient changes by the same ratio.
How to Adjust a Recipe for a New Serving Size
new amount = original amount × (new servings ÷ original servings)
This works for any unit:
• cups
• tablespoons
• grams
• ounces
• eggs
• anything your recipe uses
Serving Size Adjustment Chart
Example 1: 4 servings → 6 servings
• Ratio: 6 ÷ 4 = 1.5
• Multiply every ingredient by 1.5
• 2 cups becomes 3 cups
• 1 teaspoon becomes 1.5 teaspoons
Example 2: 6 servings → 4 servings
• Ratio: 4 ÷ 6 = 0.67
• Multiply every ingredient by 0.67
• 3 cups becomes 2 cups
• 90 g becomes 60 g
Example 3: 8 servings → 12 servings
• Ratio: 12 ÷ 8 = 1.5
• Multiply every ingredient by 1.5
Beginner-Friendly Explanation
When you change the number of servings in a recipe, you’re simply scaling the whole recipe up or down.
If you want more servings, you multiply the ingredients.
If you want fewer servings, you multiply by a smaller number.
The ratio new servings ÷ original servings tells you exactly how much to increase or decrease each ingredient.
Use this guide anytime you need to adjust a recipe to fit the number of people you’re cooking for.