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Hop Bitterness Calculator
Calculate IBU from your hop schedule using the Tinseth formula. Add multiple hop additions and compare against beer styles.
1. Batch Info
2. Hop Additions
Addition #1
19.0 IBU
Total Bitterness
19.0 IBU
Style Comparison
Light Lager8-15
Wheat Beer10-20
Pale Ale25-45
Amber Ale20-40
IPA40-70
Double IPA60-100
Stout25-50
Barleywine50-100
19 IBU fits: Wheat Beer
Frequently Asked Questions
What IBU range is typical for different beer styles?
Light lagers sit around 8-15 IBU, pale ales at 25-45 IBU, IPAs range 40-70 IBU, and double IPAs can reach 60-100+ IBU. Stouts typically fall between 25-50 IBU, though the roasted malt flavors can balance higher bitterness levels.
Do late hop additions add bitterness or just flavor?
Late additions (under 15 minutes) contribute minimal bitterness but add significant hop flavor and aroma. Whirlpool or flameout additions at near-boiling temperatures extract oils for intense aroma with very little IBU contribution.
Does dry hopping add IBUs to my beer?
Dry hopping adds very little measurable IBU, typically 1-5 IBU at most. However, the hop oils and polyphenols from dry hopping can create a perceived bitterness that makes the beer taste more bitter than the IBU number suggests.
What is the Tinseth formula used in this calculator?
The Tinseth formula estimates IBU based on hop utilization, which depends on boil time and wort gravity. Longer boil times and lower gravity worts extract more alpha acids. This is the most widely used IBU calculation method for home brewers.
Why does original gravity affect hop bitterness?
Higher gravity worts reduce hop utilization because the dissolved sugars interfere with isomerization of alpha acids. A 1.080 OG wort will extract significantly less bitterness from the same hop addition compared to a 1.040 wort.