Missing my OG

[HudsonHB]

Ive made about a dozen batches so far, all 5 gallon pre made kits. When I do hit my OG reading it seems to be when there is only 4 gallons of water added to the wort. My question is does a 5 gallon batch only really make 4 gallons or should I say forget the OG and just add right to 5 gallons?

 

[unionrdr]

Sounds like at the most,it's something in your process. At the least,you're not getting the wort/top off water mixed real well. I've found I really have to keep my mind on every stage of my process. If I don't,sometimers kicks in real fast. So,was this AG or?...