Accurate measurement of wort density is a critical part of formulating recipes and tracking fermentation progress. These calculators help brewers get accurate measurements by applying the necessary corrections to measured values.
Hydrometers
Hydrometers are used for measuring the density of liquids. These devices are calibrated at a specific temperature; usually 60°F (15.6°C) or 68°F (20°C). Often it is impractical to change the temperature of the liquid being measured to match that of the hydrometer calibration temperature, thus the S.G. Tab of the BeerTools Pro calculators window allows the brewer to measure the liquid at any temperature and correct the reading.
Correcting a Hydrometer Reading
Three values must be obtained to determine a corrected hydrometer reading. Your hydrometer should indicate its calibration temperature somewhere on its scale. Enter this temperature in the Hydrom. Calibration Temp field. Measure the temperature of the sample of liquid and enter it in the Sample Temp field. Finally, take the gravity reading off the hydrometer and enter this in the Hydrom. Reading field. The corrected reading will appear in the Corrected field.
Refractometers
Refractometers offer another way to read wort density. However, corrections are necessary to get reliable results from measurements of worts that have begun fermentation.
Converting Refractometer Readings
The wort calibration field is usually a constant 1.04. The original brix or gravity reading is required to get accurate gravity conversion after fermentation has begun. To convert a refractometer enter the original brix or gravity reading taken before fermentation started. Then enter the current reading. The gravity is displayed below with the corrections applied.
Dilution
When the wort gravity turns out heavier than planned it is helpful to know exactly how much water to add in order to achieve the correct gravity.
Calculating Dilution
Enter the volume and gravity of the two fluids being combined. If diluting wort with water, enter 1.000 as the gravity of the second fluid. The resulting volume and gravity of the combined fluids is displayed below.