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 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 to get percentage ABV

Explanation: The difference between OG and FG shows how much sugar has been converted to alcohol during fermentation.

3. Importance of ABV Calculation

Details: Knowing the ABV helps homebrewers understand the strength of their beer, comply with regulations, and achieve consistent results in their brewing process.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both gravity readings as specific gravity values (typically between 1.000 and 1.120). OG should always be higher than FG for valid results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a good estimate but actual ABV may vary slightly due to factors like temperature and fermentation byproducts.

Q2: What are typical OG and FG values?
A: OG typically ranges from 1.030 (light beer) to 1.100 (strong ale). FG usually falls between 1.008 and 1.020.

Q3: When should I take gravity readings?
A: Take OG just before pitching yeast, and FG when fermentation appears complete (stable gravity over 2-3 days).

Q4: Can I use this for wine or mead?
A: Yes, though high-alcohol beverages may need more precise methods for accurate ABV calculation.

Q5: Why is my ABV lower than expected?
A: Possible causes include incomplete fermentation, inaccurate gravity readings, or less fermentable sugars in your recipe.