Substitute for Cornstarch (as thickener)
Out of cornstarch (as thickener) mid-recipe? Here is the exact swap, measured — not "about a cup of something similar" — plus every alternative that genuinely works.
For 1 tbsp of cornstarch (as thickener)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Flour thickens at a simmer and looks cloudier; cook out the raw taste.
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
All-purpose flour, computed for the amounts recipes actually use:
| Recipe needs | Use instead |
|---|---|
| ½ tbsp of cornstarch (as thickener) | 1 tbsp all-purpose flour |
| 1 tbsp of cornstarch (as thickener) | 2 tbsp all-purpose flour |
| 2 tbsp of cornstarch (as thickener) | 4 tbsp all-purpose flour |
| 3 tbsp of cornstarch (as thickener) | 6 tbsp all-purpose flour |
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 All-purpose flour
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Flour thickens at a simmer and looks cloudier; cook out the raw taste.
Other swaps bakers look for
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of cornstarch (as thickener)?
The best swap for 1 tbsp of cornstarch (as thickener) is 2 tbsp all-purpose flour — flour thickens at a simmer and looks cloudier; cook out the raw taste.
How much substitute do I use for a different amount of cornstarch (as thickener)?
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".