Tools & Gear
Sourdough Banneton Size Guide: Match the Basket to Your Dough
Too big and the loaf spreads; too small and it overflows. Here's how to pick the right banneton size and shape.
Match your banneton size to your dough weight: an 8–9 inch round (about 750g–1kg capacity) fits a standard 500g-flour loaf, while smaller or larger doughs need proportionally sized baskets. A basket that's too big lets the dough spread flat; too small and it overflows and loses shape.
Sizing by dough weight
| Dough weight | Round banneton | Oval banneton |
|---|---|---|
| ~500g | 7 inch | 8 inch |
| ~750–900g | 8.5–9 inch | 10 inch |
| ~1kg | 10 inch | 11 inch |
| ~1.5kg | 12 inch | 14 inch |
A typical recipe (500g flour, ~70% hydration) yields about 850–950g of dough — an 8.5–9 inch round or 10 inch oval is the most useful all-purpose size.
Round vs. oval
- Round (boule): the classic shape, easiest for beginners.
- Oval (batard): longer loaf, better for sandwich slices, fits an oval Dutch oven.
Pick based on the shape you bake most and the pot you bake in.
Why size matters
A banneton supports the dough's shape during the final proof. The right fit holds the dough tall and rounded. An oversized basket lets the dough relax outward and bake flat; an undersized one can't contain it.
Material notes
| Material | Notes |
|---|---|
| Rattan/cane | Classic spiral marks, breathable |
| Wood pulp | Smoother crust, easy release |
| Cloth-lined | Beginner-friendly, less sticking |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a bowl instead?
Yes — line a similarly sized bowl with a flour-dusted tea towel. Match the bowl's volume to your dough.
What size for a beginner's first loaf?
A 9-inch round handles the common 500g-flour recipe and is the most versatile starting size.
Should I get round or oval first?
Round is the most forgiving and matches a round Dutch oven. Add an oval later if you want batards.
The right basket keeps your loaf tall and well-shaped. SourdoughAI scales recipes to any dough weight, so you can match a loaf to the banneton you own.