Overview
Batch size lets you describe a recipe's preparation size the way your kitchen actually makes it, like 1 gallon or 3 sheet pans, instead of only in servings. This article covers setting a batch, what the lock does, and how it affects the scaling calculator. It does not cover per-ingredient scaling factors; see Per-Ingredient Scaling for that.
Setting a Batch
Anyone who can edit the recipe can set its batch from the recipe editor: an amount and a unit. The unit list only offers units that convert from the recipe's own serving unit: a recipe served in cups can set its batch in quarts or gallons, but not in a unit cups can't convert to. A recipe served in each (like a sandwich) can only set its batch in each.
There is one batch per recipe. If a recipe legitimately needs a second batch size, copy the recipe.
Once set, the batch and its equivalent serving count show on the recipe page, for example Batch: 1 gal (32 servings). It also adds a Batches field to the scaling calculator, so you can scale by typing a number of batches instead of working out the portion count yourself.
Locking to Whole Batches
Turning on the lock restricts scaling to whole-batch multiples only, for a recipe that has been validated (for USDA compliance or otherwise) at a specific size. This protects against scaling a standardized recipe to a size that no longer meets its nutrition requirements.
Lock off (default): scaling to a size that isn't a whole batch shows a warning but still lets you proceed.
Lock on: scaling to a size that isn't a whole batch is refused, for every user, including directors. This applies whether you scale by typing a portion count or by typing an ingredient amount, and on the public scaling calculator as well as the one inside Gaia.
The lock is based on the recipe's own base serving size, not the serving size of whichever grade group you're scaling for. A whole batch is always the same number of servings regardless of which grade group is selected.
A recipe with no batch set behaves exactly as it always has; nothing about scaling changes until you set one.
Production Record Forecasts Are Unaffected for Schools
The batch lock only applies to the scaling calculator. Forecasting a production record works exactly as it did before, at any quantity, whether or not the recipe has a locked batch. Central kitchen production records will display batches.