(Last Updated On: February 11, 2019)

If you are using a refractometer , you will most likely need to convert Brix to SG (Specific Gravity) at some point.

I have a couple of handy calculators (including alcohol correction) along with a handy Brix To SG conversion table you can download as a PDF for future reference.

I now have three FREE SG/Brix calculators for you to use! (Keep Reading for important tips and instructions)

The first calculator is designed to be used on brew day, BEFORE fermentation has taken place. Once alcohol is present in the wort or beer, your measurement will be incorrect. If you have already begun fermenting your beer, and you know your OG (Original Gravity) you should use the SECOND calculator in this article. Finally, I recently added a third calculator to Convert SG to Brix.

At the end of the post I also have a handy PDF Brix to SG chart you can download and print for reference.

Convert Brix to SG (BEFORE FERMENTATION)

IMPORTANT! This first calculator is for use BEFORE fermentation has begun. The best time to use this calculator is on Brew Day to obtain your OG (Original Gravity). I also commonly use my Brix Refractometer for quick gravity readings before the boil, when lautering, etc.

Brix To SG Formula If you want to do the math yourself, here is the formula used by this calculator to convert Brix To SG: SG = (Brix / (258.6-((Brix / 258.2)*227.1))) + 1

The presence of alcohol will skew the measurement of your refractometer. If you do not correct for this your measurement will be inaccurate. Once alcohol is present you should use the SECOND calculator.

Note that you will need to know your OG for the second calculator to work.

Brix Converter Terminology

Brix – The amount of sugar in a solution. This reading is designed to measure sucrose; simple sugars in water. That is why it is so commonly used by winemakers. They are typically measuring what is essentially fruit juice.

The amount of sugar in a solution. This reading is designed to measure sucrose; simple sugars in water. That is why it is so commonly used by winemakers. They are typically measuring what is essentially fruit juice. SG – Specific Gravity; Technically, this is the measure of a liquid’s density when compared to pure water. When used in the context of brewing, we are concerned with the amount of fermentable (or un-fermentable) sugars dissolved in our wort.

You can read more about the differences between refractometers, hydrometers, and the way they are used in this article.

Convert Brix To SG (During Or After Fermentation)

This calculator can be used to get an approximate specific gravity reading of your wort AFTER fermentation has begun or completed. This is required because any alcohol present in the wort or beer will alter the degree to which light is bent while passing through the refractometer, altering the reading.

Convert SG to Brix

I’ve found that a lot of people arrive on this page looking for a way to calculate SG to Brix. So to help them out, I added another calculator. Start with your specific gravity, click “Convert”, and see the corresponding value in Brix!

A Quick Note About Refractometers and Measuring Brix

Most refractometers measure gravity of a liquid in Brix.

Refractometers are designed to measure the amount of SUCROSE in water, not MALTOSE, which is the primary type of sugar found in our wort.

Therefore, we have to go through some calculations to arrive at the measurement we homebrewers use most often, which is SG (Specific Gravity).

NOTE: Some refractometers have a “dual scale” display, showing brix on one side and specific gravity (SG) on the other. Beware, as the relationship between brix and SG is not exactly linear!

Once you know your starting and finished gravities, you can calculate your beer’s ABV.

Therefore, It’s best to take a good Brix reading on a quality refractometer, and then run through the calculator for better accuracy.

Brix To SG Chart

Here’s a PDF version of the chart you can download and print.

Download: Brix To SG Chart (PDF)

More Brewing Calculators

Here are some related homebrewing calculators and articles you may find useful:

Hydrometer Temperature Correction: Here

ABV Calculator: Here

Sparge Water Calculator: Here

Step Mashing: Here

Beer Line Calculator: Here

Gravity To Bitterness Ratio Calculator: Here

Interested in upgrading your brewhouse?

Check out these articles on choosing the best stainless fermenter and switching to electric brewing!

Conclusion

I hope you found these calculators and resources useful! Please leave me a comment to let me know if you liked it, and what other content you’d like to see in the future.

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