refractometer readings

Williams 728
Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum

Help Support Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
FenoMeno

FenoMeno

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
142
Reaction score
3
Location
Grand Haven
Will the refractometer read correctly after fermentation? I recently purchased one, and used it on my last brew. Instructions were not very clear--

Am I correct that it can be used pre/post boil, but use my hydrometer to check SG during fermentation?

:mug:
 
FenoMeno said:
Will the refractometer read correctly after fermentation?
Click to expand...

No, alcohol has a higher refractive index than water and a lower density.

So a finished beer might have a refract reading of about 6 (equivalent to 1.024),
but a hydrometer reading of 1.012.

There are calculators available in Beersmith and online to estimate the FG of a beer based on the OG and the final refract reading.
 
Simple correction:

Formula for compensation of ethanol effect on refractometer:

SG=1.001843-0.002318474(OB)-0.000007775(OB^2)-0.000000034(OB^3)+0.00574(AB) +0.00003344(AB^2)+0.000000086(AB^3)

SG = Specific Gravity, OB = Original Brix, AB = Actual Brix (Brix Readings During Fermentation)
 
Thanks,
I have BeerSmith, never noticed the Tab to select what "stage" I am measuring. (defaults to Unfermented Wort Gravity)
 

Similar threads

beervoid
Refractometer reading very different from Hydrometer, fermenting wort
Replies
20
Views
2K
jschein
jschein
H
Weird Refractometer. What's causing repeat measurements on same sample, to keep going up drastically?
Replies
5
Views
467
hungupdown
H
Vladimir Kim
Low OG
Replies
6
Views
550
IslandLizard
IslandLizard
hilljack13
OG difference on tilt vs refractometer
Replies
6
Views
380
hilljack13
hilljack13
BanjosLaughter
Refractometer question
Replies
35
Views
2K
balrog
balrog
InkBird 300

Latest posts

Back
Top