Neapolitan Pizza Dough Calculator

The gold standard for wood-fired pizza. Engineered for 900°F ovens and pillowy crusts.

The Baker's Percentage Formula

Our calculator uses the Baker's Percentage system. In this method, every ingredient is calculated as a percentage of the total flour weight (which is always 100%). This ensures perfect consistency regardless of whether you are making 2 pizzas or 200.

Ingredient Weight = (Total Flour Weight × Ingredient %) / 100

Why Use Our Neapolitan Calculator?

Unlike generic calculators, our tool is calibrated for the high-heat environment of wood-fired ovens. It accounts for the rapid moisture loss that occurs at 900°F and recommends hydration levels (58-65%) that prevent the dough from becoming too tough or too soggy.

"Neapolitan pizza is not just food; it's a centuries-old tradition of balance between heat, water, and wheat."

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Whisk the Water and Salt: Dissolve the salt completely in the water first. This protects the yeast from direct contact with salt.
  2. Add Yeast: Stir in the yeast until dissolved.
  3. Incorporate Flour: Add 90% of the flour and mix by hand or with a low-speed mixer until a shaggy mass forms.
  4. Knead: Gradually add the remaining flour and knead for 10-15 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and reaches a temperature of about 23-26°C.
  5. Rest and Ball: Cover the dough and let it rest for 2 hours. Divide into balls (typically 250g each) and place in a proofing box for the final 6-24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best flour for Neapolitan pizza?

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Always use Tipo 00 flour with a medium-high protein content (11-13%). Brands like Antimo Caputo are the gold standard.

Why is there no oil in this recipe?

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Traditional Neapolitan pizza (AVPN) forbids oil. Oil is used in lower-temp ovens to help browning, but at 900°F, it would burn and ruin the flavor.

How long should I ferment the dough?

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At least 8 hours at room temperature, or up to 24-48 hours if using a cold ferment in the refrigerator.

What is the ideal dough ball weight?

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A standard 12-inch Neapolitan pizza typically uses a dough ball between 250g and 280g.

Can I use active dry yeast?

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Yes, but you should dissolve it in warm water first. Our calculator assumes Instant Dry Yeast (IDY) for simplicity.