1. What is ABV?

ABV (Alcohol By Volume) is a standard measure of how much alcohol is contained in a given volume of an alcoholic beverage. It's expressed as a percentage of the total volume.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple ABV formula:

Where:

• \( OG \) — Original Gravity (specific gravity before fermentation)
• \( FG \) — Final Gravity (specific gravity after fermentation)
• 131.25 — Conversion factor

Explanation: The difference between original and final gravity indicates how much sugar has been converted to alcohol during fermentation.

3. Importance of ABV Calculation

Details: Knowing the ABV helps brewers understand the strength of their beer, comply with alcohol regulations, and ensure consistency between batches.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter original and final gravity values as specific gravity (e.g., 1.050). OG should always be higher than FG. Measurements should be taken at the same temperature.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is OG always higher than FG?
A: During fermentation, sugar is converted to alcohol, which is less dense than water, causing the specific gravity to decrease.

Q2: What's a typical ABV range for beer?
A: Most beers range from 3-12% ABV, with session beers at the lower end and strong ales/barleywines at the higher end.

Q3: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a good estimate but may be slightly less accurate for very high-gravity beers. More complex formulas exist for professional use.

Q4: Can I use this for wine or mead?
A: Yes, the same formula works for wine, mead, and other fermented beverages, though wine may require adjustments for very high ABV.

Q5: What temperature should I measure at?
A: Hydrometer readings are typically calibrated for 60°F (15.6°C) or 68°F (20°C). Check your hydrometer's calibration temperature.