Beer measurement

WortHydrometer

Beer measurement refers to the various methods and units used to quantify and describe the properties of beer. These measurements are crucial for brewers, distributors, and consumers to ensure quality, consistency, and to meet regulatory standards.

Types of Beer Measurement

Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

Alcohol by volume (ABV) is a standard measure used worldwide to quantify the amount of alcohol (ethanol) in an alcoholic beverage. It is expressed as a percentage of total volume. For example, a beer with 5% ABV contains 5% alcohol by volume.

Original Gravity (OG) and Final Gravity (FG)

Original gravity (OG) and final gravity (FG) are measurements of the density of the beer wort before and after fermentation, respectively. OG indicates the potential alcohol content, while FG helps determine the actual alcohol content and the beer's sweetness.

International Bitterness Units (IBU)

International Bitterness Units (IBU) measure the bitterness of beer, which is contributed by the hops used during brewing. The higher the IBU, the more bitter the beer. Typical values range from 5 IBUs for light lagers to over 100 IBUs for some IPAs.

Standard Reference Method (SRM)

The Standard Reference Method (SRM) is a scale used to measure the color of beer. It ranges from 1 (pale yellow) to 40+ (black). The color is determined by the type and amount of malt used in brewing.

Plato Scale

The Plato scale is a measure of the concentration of extract (sugars) in the wort. It is expressed in degrees Plato (°P), which indicates the percentage of extract by weight. This measurement helps brewers understand the potential alcohol content and body of the beer.

Carbonation Levels

Carbonation levels in beer are measured in volumes of CO2. This measurement indicates how much carbon dioxide is dissolved in the beer, affecting its mouthfeel and taste. Common levels range from 2.0 to 2.5 volumes of CO2.

Related Pages

• Brewing
• Beer styles
• Hops
• Malt
• Fermentation
• Beer glassware
• Beer tasting