Color Conversion

The Color Conversion tool converts beer color measurements between SRM, EBC, and Lovibond scales.

How to Use

1. Enter a value in any color unit field

2. View instant conversions - All other units update automatically

3. Visual color preview shows approximate beer color

4. The tool remembers your last entered value

Beer Color Scales

SRM (Standard Reference Method)

• Used primarily in North America

• Range: 1-40+ for most beers

• Based on light absorbance at 430nm

EBC (European Brewery Convention)

• Used in Europe and many other regions

• Range: 2-80+ for most beers

• EBC ≈ SRM × 1.97

Lovibond

• Older system, still used for malt

• Visual comparison method

• Similar scale to SRM

Color Ranges by Style

Light Beers (2-6 SRM)

• Pilsner: 2-4 SRM

• Light Lager: 2-3 SRM

• Wheat Beer: 3-6 SRM

• Blonde Ale: 3-6 SRM

Amber Beers (6-15 SRM)

• Pale Ale: 5-10 SRM

• IPA: 6-14 SRM

• Amber Ale: 10-17 SRM

• Märzen: 8-17 SRM

Dark Beers (15-40+ SRM)

• Brown Ale: 18-35 SRM

• Porter: 20-30 SRM

• Stout: 30-40+ SRM

• Imperial Stout: 30-40+ SRM

Factors Affecting Beer Color

Ingredients

• Base Malts: 1.5-4 L

• Crystal Malts: 10-120 L

• Roasted Malts: 300-600 L

• Specialty Malts: Wide range

Process Variables

• Boil Time: Longer = darker

• pH: Higher = darker

• Oxidation: Darkens over time

• Caramelization: From kettle heat

Measuring Beer Color

Laboratory Method

• Spectrophotometer at 430nm

• 1cm path length

• Dilute if needed

• Most accurate method

Visual Comparison

• Compare to color charts

• Use proper lighting

• White background

• Less accurate but practical

Digital Tools

• Phone apps available

• Photo analysis

• Reasonable estimates

• Convenient for homebrewers

Practical Applications

Recipe Design

• Target specific color

• Balance malt bill

• Predict final appearance

• Match style guidelines

Quality Control

• Monitor batch consistency

• Track color changes

• Identify process issues

• Compare to standards

Competition

• Meet style requirements

• Judge expectations

• Visual appeal

• Score optimization

Color Perception

Lighting Effects

• Daylight: Most accurate

• Incandescent: Appears redder

• Fluorescent: May shift hue

• LED: Varies by type

Glass and Volume

• Appears lighter in thin layers

• Darker in full pint glass

• Sample in consistent vessel

• Standard is 1cm path

Tips for Color Control

1. Accurate Measurements: Weigh malts precisely

2. Fresh Ingredients: Old malt may darken

3. pH Control: Monitor and adjust

4. Consistent Process: Same boil time/vigor

5. Avoid Oxidation: Minimize post-fermentation

Troubleshooting

Darker than Expected

• Check boil time and pH

• Avoid scorching

Lighter than Expected

• Verify extraction efficiency

• Check malt specifications

Using with Recipe Design

• Convert between scales when following recipes

• Check if your beer color matches style guidelines

• The tool remembers your last entered values

• Use for consistent color targeting across batches