Is there a big difference between 10 and 20% calorie surplus (220-440 calories) in terms of fat versus muscle gain while bulking?

I'm about to start bulking, and my goals--like most other people's, I suspect--are to bulk as fast as possible (and reasonable) without gaining too much fat.

The wiki says to start with a surplus of 10 to 20% of my TDEE, and cautions that going over 20% will lead to excessive fat gain.

What's the difference between a 10 and a 20% surplus, though? For me, that's roughly the difference between a 220 and 440 calorie a day surplus. Will it be like I'm gaining 60% muscle and 40% fat at a 220 calorie surplus, but 60% fat and 40% muscle at a 440 calorie surplus?

I'm doing the basic Strong Lifts 5x5 program, for reference, with some supplemental cardio and resistance training that I factor into my maintenance calories. I go to the gym three times a week.

I realize that even if a 20% surplus is reasonable, I'd still need to monitor and to make sure that it's working for me and that I'm not going much over it. But should I expect to bulk effectively at 20% TDEE or should I pare it back?

submitted by /u/Jeff_Bezels
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