Why Are There 13 In A Baker's Dozen?

The term "baker's dozen" can be traced all the way back to 13th century England!

You've probably heard the phrase "baker's dozen" a few times in conversation or on the infamous Great British Baking Show. What exactly is a baker's dozen? You have your regular "dozen," which amounts to 12. Then you add one and you'll have a baker's dozen!

If you're at a bakery and order a baker's dozen of a certain delicious item, you'll get 13 of them. So even though you're requesting a baker's dozen of something yummy, you'll actually receive an extra baked good! Who could complain!

Baked Goods via Canva

This plus 1 to normal amount in a dozen didn't just show up for fun. The term "bakers dozen" goes all the way back to medieval England, when bakers were making 13 instead of the standard 12 loaves of bread to avoid jail time!

According to Mental Floss, some bakers in 13th century England were notorious for skimping on the size of their baked goods, while customers continued paying full price. This provoked King Henry III to pass a law; selling bread below the standard weight and size and overcharging for it got you roughed up or thrown in jail.

If you were a baker in 13th century England I'm sure you wouldn't want to risk it... To reduce any margin of error, bakers included an additional loaf of bread in their normal dozen, just to be safe!