Our Alcohol hydrometer temperature correction calculator
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You are getting inaccurate readings due to different temperatures? This is where a simple alcohol hydrometer temperature correction calculator comes into play.
A proof alcohol spirit hydrometer is calibrated at 20°C (68°F) to measure only the pure spirit’s % ABV. Should the actual temperature of the pure spirit measured be higher (spirit less dense) or lower (more dense) than the set 20°C (68°F) on the meter, you will get an incorrect reading.
This is no problem as you can use the temperature calibration figures supplied with the meter and adjust to get a more accurate ABV reading and make adjustments if necessary. When diluting the alcohol to 38 > 41 % ABV, the reading here will be more accurate and easier to handle therefore correct.
Remember to check the ABV before adding any essence.
Estimate Temp Reading With a simple Alcohol Hydrometer Temperature Correction Calculator
For the DIY, the following calculation is fine to calculate your ABV.
The rule of thumb is for every 1°C (33.8°F) over 20°C (68°F), subtract 0.33% from the actual spirit meter reading.
| Example in Degrees Celsius |
|---|
| ABV = 94% |
| Spirit temp at parrot = 30°C |
| Factor = .33% |
| Difference in temp = 30 – 20 = 10 X .33 = 3.33 |
| ABV calc = 94 – 3.33 |
| ABV = 90.67 % |
Should you not like to use the above calculation technique and prefer a more accurate one, you can go online and measure the ABV using an online alcohol hydrometer temperature correction calculator.
The other choice is eBay; there are lots of alcohol meters for sale, with costs ranging from $30 to $2400 – your choice. What I would suggest is comparing the rule of thumb results versus the online ones and deciding which is better for you.
The ABV of the spirits is important to the professionals. In DIY, if you are within 1 > 3 % ABV and the smell and taste pass your test, what more do you want? You don’t sell it. Ultimately, it is your choice and budget to purchase whatever equipment you want.
What Is Very Important Is Knowing Your Limits With Your Still.
You must know and fully understand the specific temperature and stripping ranges of your still and the importance of the splits. Never be greedy; always dump the foreshots and heads. The tails can be split into several small jars for grading later.
If tails or foreshots get into your hearts split, the only way to remove them is with a rerun of the batch. What a waste of time.
The splits are temperature related, linked to boiling points. With all the sophisticated equipment around, the best test of all is you. You make the splits based on taste and smell and will quickly be able to make decisions, splits based on the spirit-proof continuous alcohol hydrometer at the parrot.
| Acetone – Foreshots | 56.6°C or 133.8°F |
| Methanol – Foreshots | 64°C or 147.2°F |
| Ethyl Acetate – Heads | 77.1°C or 170.8°F |
| Ethanol Range – Hearts | 78.3 > 81.5°C or 172.9 > 178.7°F |
| 2 Proponal – Tails | 82°C or 179.6°F |
| 1 Proponal – Tails | 97°C or 206.6°F |
| Fuesel oils – Tails | 94 > 95°C or 201.2 > 203°F |
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Last Updated on Jan 01, 2024 by The Brew Mechanic
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With 35 years of knowledge of being a chemical engineer in alcohol manufacturing plants, my mission is to teach the next generation of home distilling alcohol brewers at a supernatural speed.
My reviews are based on real-life experiences with reflux stills, sugar wash, troubleshooting and mystical chemical reactions.
