The objective of this work was to use the swelling curve test for the evaluation of the baking value of rye flours commonly used for bread production. Ten rye flours obtained from industrial mills were used for investigations. The parameters characterized the flour properties such as protein content, ash content, pentosans content, falling number, amylograph peak viscosity and water absorption were determined. Besides, the swelling curve test and the baking test were performed. The results showed significant relations between flour properties and bread quality. Especially, all viscosity parameters obtained on the basis of swelling curve could be used for rye flour baking quality evaluation. Especially, the logarithmic decrease of viscosity was negatively correlated with crumb bread hardness after 1 and 4 days after baking (r = − 0.802 and − 0.789, respectivietly). Besides, the breads with the lowest volume were obtained from flour with low amylograph peak viscosity and low logarithmic decrease of viscosity. In summary, the swelling curve test can be used as a useful tool for the evaluation of baking quality of rye flour.