Abv formula?

moobert88 · Jun 5, 2012

Is there a formula for predicting the ABV of a 5 gallon homebrew. I was just wondering how much extract to start buying for my first made from scratch extract brew, and I don't want it to turn out tasting like scotch!
What r your thoughts?

slarkin712 · Jun 5, 2012

The simple formula is this:
ABV% = (OG - FG)*131

For example, if my original gravity was 1.065 and my final gravity was 1.015 it would be:

ABV% = (1.065 - 1.015)*131 = 6.55%

You can always get some brewing software, use an online calculator, or get a phone app.

moobert88 · Jun 5, 2012

I understand the of-fg equation. I was just wondering if there is a good rule of thumb for #'s of extract to % of alcohol.

sweed · Jun 5, 2012

Easiest place I figure it out, is the hopville beer calculus guide. Put in all your fermentables, hops, yeast etc, and it calculates it for you, before you brew. It is a estimate as it uses a 75% efficiency that I think can be changed?
For actually abv, get a hydrometer and do OG and FG readings.

dennisjonesjr · Jun 5, 2012

I use this: http://www.tastybrew.com/calculators/gravity.html

Boil volume: I usually use 2.5 gallons
Final volume: 5 gallons

for Grains used I just go with the Amber Dry Malt Extract (default) or Light Dry Malt Extract: 6 lbs should be a good start

This will give you a good rough guess.

Abv formula?

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Abv formula?

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