Why Is a “Baker’s Dozen” 13, Not 12?

When you order a dozen, you expect twelve. But when you ask for a baker’s dozen, you get thirteen.
Why? Let’s take a look at where this extra pastry came from.

What It Means

A “baker’s dozen” simply means thirteen items, most often baked goods like rolls, bagels, or cookies.
For example, you might say, “I bought a baker’s dozen of muffins — they gave me thirteen instead of twelve.”

It’s not that bakers can’t count. The reason is much older and more practical than that.

Where It Came From

The phrase goes back to medieval England. At the time, bread was such an important food that the government tightly regulated its price and weight. Bakers who sold loaves that were too light could face serious punishment, including fines, public humiliation, or even jail.

To avoid breaking the law accidentally, many bakers began adding an extra loaf whenever they sold a dozen. That way, even if a loaf came out slightly underweight, the total order would still meet or exceed the required amount.

Twelve became thirteen — not out of generosity at first, but out of caution and self-preservation.

Why It Stuck

Over time, the custom turned into a habit. Customers liked getting a little extra, and bakers liked staying out of trouble. It was a simple deal where everyone won.

Eventually, the phrase “baker’s dozen” entered everyday language as a lighthearted way to mean thirteen of something, long after the original laws were forgotten.

In Easy Words

A baker’s dozen means thirteen because, centuries ago, bakers added an extra loaf to avoid being punished for selling short-weight bread.
What started as a rule of safety turned into a symbol of fairness and a small act of generosity that people still remember today.