What is a sourdough stretch and fold timer?

A sourdough stretch and fold timer reminds you when each dough rest is finished so you can complete the next fold round during bulk fermentation.

How often should I stretch and fold sourdough?

Many beginner sourdough recipes use stretch-and-fold rounds every 30 minutes for 3 to 4 rounds, but you should follow your recipe and adjust for dough strength, hydration, and room temperature.

Can I change the rest interval and number of folds?

Yes. Choose a preset interval or enter a custom rest time, then set 2 to 6 fold rounds for your recipe.

Sourdough stretch and fold timer

Sourdough
Fold Timer

Keep bulk fermentation organized with a big countdown, fold-round tracker, and simple dough prompts. Set the rest interval your recipe calls for, then let the timer nudge you through each stretch and fold.

Rest minutes Fold rounds

Round 1 of 4

30:00

Ready for the first rest?

Start after mixing or after your previous fold, depending on your recipe.

Beginner loaf: rest the dough covered, then stretch from four sides and fold toward the center.

How to use this stretch and fold timer

Choose the rest interval from your recipe, often 30 minutes for a beginner loaf.
Set how many fold rounds you plan to do before the dough rests undisturbed.
Press start after mixing or after finishing a fold round.
When the alert sounds, fold the dough, tap “next round,” and start the next rest.

Common sourdough fold schedules

30 minutes × 4 rounds: a simple beginner schedule for many sandwich and country loaves.
15–20 minutes: useful when dough needs quicker strength-building early in bulk fermentation.
45–60 minutes: gentler spacing for dough that already has strength or is fermenting slowly.
2–3 rounds: often enough for lower-hydration doughs or recipes with stronger mixing.

Stretch and fold checklist

Wet hands

Lift gently

Fold four sides

Keep dough covered

Watch bubbles

Note room warmth

Stop if dough tears

Rest after final fold

Sourdough stretch and fold timer FAQ

Do I start the timer after mixing or after each fold?

Use it the way your recipe is written. Many bakers start the first rest after mixing, then restart the timer after each stretch-and-fold round.

What if my dough feels tight or tears?

Give it a longer rest before the next fold and handle it more gently. Dough that resists stretching usually needs time to relax.

Does this replace my recipe’s timing?

No. Follow your recipe first. This page is a reminder tool for the rest intervals and fold rounds your recipe already calls for.

SourdoughFold Timer