Wait for Peak
EasyStarter floats best at peak activity.
- Note when you last fed starter
- Peak is usually 4-8 hours after feeding
- Look for doubled volume and domed top
- Test again when these signs appear
Float Test Fails
MixingThe float test (dropping a spoonful of starter in water to see if it floats) indicates gas production. If it sinks, the starter may not be active enough for baking.
Float Test Fails in sourdough most often traces back to Starter fails float test when it lacks sufficient gas bubbles to float, either from being past peak or not active enough, a mix-stage problem you can usually correct mid-bake. This page lists 3 immediate interventions to try on the current batch plus 4 adjustments to stop it recurring. Fixes assume a 68-72°F kitchen and an active, ripe starter.
How do I fix float test fails right now?
Work through these reversible steps on the batch in front of you, in order. Each one targets a different failure mode, so the first match is usually the fix — stop as soon as the dough responds and resume your normal process from there.
- 1Wait longer—starter may not be at peak yet
- 2Feed starter and check again in 4-6 hours
- 3Look for other signs: bubbles, volume increase, domed top
What are the detailed fixes for float test fails?
If the quick steps above did not resolve things, these deeper adjustments rework the mix, fermentation, or handling stage where float test fails usually originates. Each card explains what to change, the reason it works, and the baking stage it belongs to.
Trust Other Signs
EasyFloat test is not always reliable.
- Check if starter has doubled
- Look for active bubbles throughout
- Smell should be pleasantly tangy
- These signs can be more reliable than float test
What causes float test fails in sourdough?
Starter fails float test when it lacks sufficient gas bubbles to float, either from being past peak or not active enough. Contributing factors include: Starter not at peak activity, Tested too soon after feeding, Tested after starter collapsed, Starter genuinely inactive, Dense starter formula.
How do I prevent float test fails next time?
Prevention is easier than a mid-bake rescue. The tips below target the variables — starter timing, hydration, temperature, and handling — that most often set up float test fails, so you build the fix into your process instead of reacting to a dough that has already drifted.
- Test at peak—when starter has doubled and is still domed
- Note timing from feed to peak for your starter
- Use multiple indicators, not just float test
- Keep starter at consistent temperature for predictable timing
What issues relate to float test fails?
Having other problems? Check out these related troubleshooting guides.