Substitute for Baking powder
Out of baking powder mid-recipe? Here is the exact swap, measured — not "about a cup of something similar" — plus every alternative that genuinely works.
For 1 tsp of baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartar
Mix just before using — the acid starts working when wet.
Data & method: Ratios follow standard US test-kitchen practice (King Arthur Baking's ingredient guides are the primary cross-check). Every number is checked by an automated test against its source. How we calculate →
Scaled to what your recipe calls for
Baking soda + cream of tartar, computed for the amounts recipes actually use:
| Recipe needs | Use instead |
|---|---|
| ½ tsp of baking powder | ⅛ tsp baking soda + ¼ tsp cream of tartar |
| 1 tsp of baking powder | ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartar |
| 2 tsp of baking powder | ½ tsp baking soda + 1 tsp cream of tartar |
| 3 tsp of baking powder | ¾ tsp baking soda + 1½ tsp cream of tartar |
Need a different amount — or a different ingredient?
The calculator scales every option to your exact amount, for all 17 staples we cover.
Best swap Baking soda + cream of tartar
¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartar
Mix just before using — the acid starts working when wet.
Other swaps bakers look for
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of baking powder?
The best swap for 1 tsp of baking powder is ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartar — mix just before using — the acid starts working when wet.
How much substitute do I use for a different amount of baking powder?
Scale the parts linearly. The table on this page covers the common amounts, and the calculator scales every option to exactly what your recipe calls for — never a vague "adjust to taste".