[JKL]

What size starter is big enough to pitch 1pkg US-05 into to step-up for an 11 gal 1.055 O.G. beer? I was thinking 1/2 gal?
-J.K.L.

[majorvices]

You really don't want to make a starter with dry yeast as there are more viable cells in a packet of dry yeast and also because the sterols in the cell walls are "fortified" before undergoing the drying process and pitching them into a small starter can cause them to use up their sterols and go into you beer less healthy than if a starter was not used.

Just rehydrate the yeast in plain water and pitch multiple packs when the volume goes up. See the pitching calc at www.mrmalty.com to get an idea how many packs you need.

[JKL]

You really don't want to make a starter with dry yeast as there are more viable cells in a packet of dry yeast and also because the sterols in the cell walls are "fortified" before undergoing the drying process and pitching them into a small starter can cause them to use up their sterols and go into you beer less healthy than if a starter was not used.

Just rehydrate the yeast in plain water and pitch multiple packs when the volume goes up. See the pitching calc at www.mrmalty.com to get an idea how many packs you need.

Thanks for the reply Major, I was just trying to save a couple of bucks and just use 1 pkg instead of 2.
-J.K.L. 

[majorvices]

Your best bet, if you wanna make the best beer, is to probably just spend the money. FWIW the amount of DME you would need to make your starter is probably about the same cost.

[blatz]

DME you would need to make your starter is probably about the same cost.

+1 - you'd probably need at least a half pound of DME...