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ABV Calculator
Enter your original and final gravity readings to calculate alcohol by volume, attenuation, and estimated calories.
1. Enter Gravity Readings
2. Your Results
5.3%
ABV
80%
Attenuation
581
Cal / 12oz
Beer Style Scale
Light Lager2.8% - 4.2%
Wheat Beer ← Your beer4% - 5.5%
Pale Ale ← Your beer4.5% - 6.2%
IPA5.5% - 7.5%
Amber/Red ← Your beer4.5% - 6.5%
Stout/Porter ← Your beer4% - 8%
Belgian Strong7% - 12%
Barleywine8% - 14%
Your 5.3% ABV falls in the Wheat Beer range.
💡 Quick Reference
- • Typical OG for most beers: 1.035 - 1.080
- • Typical FG for most beers: 1.005 - 1.020
- • Higher attenuation = drier beer, lower = sweeter
- • Always take hydrometer readings at 60°F / 15.5°C for accuracy
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure Original Gravity and Final Gravity?
Use a hydrometer or refractometer. Take your OG reading before pitching yeast by floating the hydrometer in a sample of cooled wort. Take your FG reading after fermentation is complete, typically when the gravity stays the same for 2-3 consecutive days.
What is the difference between a hydrometer and a refractometer?
A hydrometer measures density by floating in your wort or beer sample and requires about 100ml of liquid. A refractometer only needs a few drops but requires a correction factor for post-fermentation readings because alcohol changes the refraction. Hydrometers are more accurate for FG readings.
What is a typical ABV range for home-brewed beer?
Most home-brewed beers fall between 4% and 7% ABV. Light session beers start around 3%, standard ales and lagers sit at 4-6%, IPAs range from 6-8%, and strong styles like barleywines or imperial stouts can reach 10-14% ABV.
What is apparent attenuation and why does it matter?
Apparent attenuation measures what percentage of the sugars the yeast consumed during fermentation. Most yeast strains attenuate between 65% and 85%. Higher attenuation means a drier, thinner beer. Lower attenuation means more residual sweetness and body.
Why is my calculated ABV different from a commercial beer label?
Commercial breweries often use more precise lab instruments and may calculate ABV differently. Small differences in temperature calibration, reading technique, or whether a hydrometer or refractometer was used can cause slight variations in home brew calculations.