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**JLem** · 06-13-2009, 12:02 AM

Oh, I should add that most hydrometers are calibrated for liquids at 60 degrees F. Your hydrometer will indicate the calibration temp. If you measure the specific gravity at a different temp, you need to correct the measurement. Your hydrometer will likely come with a correction chart, but if not you can find them online or use an online correction calculator:

for example - Brewheads.com - Hydrometer Correction Calculator

gregbathurst · 06-13-2009, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLem

First, you need to make sure you read from the specific gravity scale - the 900 or 990 you are refering to is really 0.900 or 0.990.

To calculate your ABV - you need two readings - an original gravity before fermentation (OG) and a final gravity when fermentation is COMPLETELY done (FG). ABV = (OG - FG)x129

So, if your OG is 1.050 and your FG is 0.990, your ABV = (1.050 - 0.990) x 129 = 7.74%

This why baume (Be) hydrometers are popular in the wine industry - they give you a rough indication of the ABV when you start. A reading of 10 Be gives roughly 10% ABV. Also a scale from 0 - 15 Be is much easier to read than SG.

gplutt · 06-13-2009, 01:40 AM

Buy two, that way you have a spare when you break the first one.

alexcider · 06-13-2009, 08:23 AM

oh balls i didnt have a hydro meter so i dnot know what my gravity reading is befor is there any way i know how strong it is then

alexcider · 06-14-2009, 09:25 PM

so i cant i have a % then

gregbathurst · 06-14-2009, 09:47 PM

You can work out a % by letting us know what your recipe is, the amount of sugar and juice and the total volume of liquid will tell you how much alcohol to expect. you c an work it out yourself by getting a book on homebrew or searching these forums.

gratus fermentatio · 06-15-2009, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexcider

right so i would fill the jar hing up with my cider then float the hydrometer in it then but on all the ones i have seen have like 900 or like 990 on side how do u work this out for a % for your achoal

This might help: How To Use A Hydrometer - grapestompers

aeonderdonk · 06-15-2009, 02:02 PM

I am still a n00b and don't regularly take hydrometer readings. Do you guys do anything to avoid losing a beer or two by taking readings as frequently as some people suggest?

I've heard of taking readings at:

OG
To see if ready to move to secondardy
To see if ready to bottle
FG

I would think this would lead to losing 1-2 beers.

**conpewter** · 06-15-2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeonderdonk

I am still a n00b and don't regularly take hydrometer readings. Do you guys do anything to avoid losing a beer or two by taking readings as frequently as some people suggest?

I've heard of taking readings at:

OG
To see if ready to move to secondardy
To see if ready to bottle
FG

I would think this would lead to losing 1-2 beers.

Drink it

You could also buy a refactometer for those pre fermentation readings. I normally only take OG and FG readings, I know the beer is done after sitting in the primary for 3 weeks. If it is a complex beer (high OG, oaking, adding fruit etc) or if it has had issues with fermenting I'll take a reading before moving it to keg.

alexcider · 06-15-2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregbathurst

You can work out a % by letting us know what your recipe is, the amount of sugar and juice and the total volume of liquid will tell you how much alcohol to expect. you c an work it out yourself by getting a book on homebrew or searching these forums.

so if i told you that i used 4oz of sugar 3l of appel juice and a table spoon of yeast would u be able to work it out cheers