Mead Calculator

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Verified by David Chen, CFA • Expert Brewing Analyst

Estimate the alcohol content of your homebrewed mead quickly and accurately using our professional Mead Calculator. Simply input your gravity readings to see the final ABV percentage.

Mead Calculator

Please enter a valid OG (1.000 – 1.200).
Please enter a valid FG (0.990 – 1.100).
Calculated ABV will appear here — %

Mead Calculator Formula

ABV = (Original Gravity – Final Gravity) × 131.25

Formula Source: American Homebrewers Association | Brewer’s Friend Methodology

Variables Explanation:

  • Original Gravity (OG): The specific gravity of the must (honey-water mixture) before fermentation begins. It measures the sugar concentration.
  • Final Gravity (FG): The specific gravity measured after fermentation is complete. This indicates how much sugar was converted into alcohol.
  • ABV: Alcohol by Volume, expressed as a percentage.

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What is a Mead Calculator?

A Mead Calculator is a specialized tool used by mazer (mead makers) to determine the Alcohol by Volume (ABV) of their fermented honey beverage. Unlike beer, mead often starts with a much higher sugar content, requiring precise gravity tracking to ensure the yeast has performed as expected.

By measuring the density of the liquid relative to water (Specific Gravity) at the start and end of the process, you can calculate exactly how much sugar has been consumed by the yeast and transformed into ethanol and CO2.

How to Calculate Mead ABV (Example)

  1. Measure your Original Gravity. Let’s say it is 1.100.
  2. Measure your Final Gravity after 3 weeks. Let’s say it is 1.005.
  3. Subtract FG from OG: 1.100 – 1.005 = 0.095.
  4. Multiply the result by 131.25: 0.095 × 131.25 = 12.47%.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a normal OG for mead? Most traditional meads range between 1.080 (approx. 10% ABV) and 1.120 (approx. 15% ABV).

Can I use Brix instead of SG? Yes, but you must convert Brix to Specific Gravity first, as the standard ABV formula uses SG values.

Why is my FG below 1.000? Since alcohol is less dense than water (0.789 vs 1.000), a very “dry” mead with no residual sugar will often finish between 0.990 and 0.998.

Is the 131.25 constant accurate? It is the standard industry estimate. For very high-gravity meads (above 16%), some mazer use a more complex non-linear equation for better accuracy.

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