Dme:lme

can DME and LME be substituted in equal weights?

for example, if i'd prefer to use DME in a recipe over LME, could i substitute, say, 6 lbs of LME for 6 lbs of DME?

 

No they cannot be subbed in equal weights. 1/2 pound of dry will sub for about 2/3 pound of syrup extract. With that logic you would need 8 lbs of LME for 6 lbs of DME. Personally I always use DME for the simple fact that you can measure it so easily compared to LME. DME is more concentrated (no water) than LME so you would need to add less.

My figures come from Designing Great Beers by Ray Daniels.

 

Dry malt extract is roughly 20% more concentrated than liquid malt extract. Here is a nice read on the subject.