ABV Calculator
Typical range: 1.030 - 1.120
Typical range: 0.990 - 1.020
What is ABV?
ABV stands for Alcohol By Volume, which is a standard measure used to determine the alcohol content in alcoholic beverages. It represents the percentage of the total volume that is pure alcohol. For example, a beer with 5% ABV contains 5% pure alcohol by volume.
How to Calculate ABV
The ABV is calculated using the original gravity (OG) and final gravity (FG) readings of the beverage. Gravity readings measure the density of the liquid relative to water, which changes as sugars are converted to alcohol during fermentation.
The standard formula for calculating ABV is:
ABV = (OG - FG) × 131.25
This formula works well for most beers and wines. For high-gravity beverages or distilled spirits, more complex formulas may be needed for greater accuracy.
Understanding Gravity Readings
Original Gravity (OG)
Original Gravity is the density of the wort (unfermented beer) or must (unfermented wine) before fermentation begins. It measures the amount of dissolved sugars that will be converted to alcohol.
Final Gravity (FG)
Final Gravity is the density measured after fermentation is complete. The difference between OG and FG indicates how much sugar was converted to alcohol.
Typical Gravity Ranges:
- Light Beer: OG 1.030-1.040, FG 1.004-1.010
- Standard Beer: OG 1.040-1.050, FG 1.008-1.014
- High-Gravity Beer: OG 1.050-1.090, FG 1.010-1.020
- Wine: OG 1.070-1.100, FG 0.990-1.010
- Mead: OG 1.080-1.120, FG 1.000-1.020
Measuring Gravity
Gravity can be measured using several tools:
- Hydrometer: A floating glass instrument that measures the density of liquid relative to water.
- Refractometer: Uses light refraction to measure sugar content, but requires correction factors for alcohol content.
- Digital Density Meter: Provides highly accurate readings but is more expensive.
ABV in Different Beverages
- Beer: Typically 3-13% ABV
- Wine: Usually 9-16% ABV
- Mead: Generally 8-20% ABV
- Cider: Commonly 4-8% ABV
- Spirits (distilled): 35-60% ABV
Tips for Using the Calculator
- Always measure gravity at the same temperature (typically 60°F/15.6°C) or use temperature correction
- For high-gravity brews, consider using the advanced formula for more accuracy
- Take multiple readings to ensure accuracy
- Clean and sanitize your measuring equipment to avoid contamination
- For refractometer readings, use the refractometer option which includes alcohol correction