Updated 30 July 2026 · Written by Sofia Romano
To make a self-rising flour substitute, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This matches the leavening built into store-bought self-rising flour, so you can use it one to one in any recipe that calls for it.
1 cup self-rising flour = 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1 1/2 tsp baking powder + 1/4 tsp salt.
The Exact Ratio
Self-rising flour is just all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt already mixed in. For every cup you need, whisk 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until evenly combined, then use it as you would the store-bought kind.
Tips for Best Results
Whisk thoroughly so the leavening is evenly distributed, and mix it fresh rather than storing large batches, since the baking powder loses potency over time. Understand the leavening in baking soda vs baking powder, and see how many grams are in a cup of flour. A kitchen scale keeps it accurate.
Self-Rising Flour (per 1 cup)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make self-rising flour?
Whisk 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt for each cup of self-rising flour needed.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising?
Yes, if you add the leavening. Mix in 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt per cup of all-purpose flour.
