Color Conversion
The Color Conversion tool converts beer color measurements between SRM, EBC, and Lovibond scales.
How to Use
Enter a value in any color unit field
View instant conversions - All other units update automatically
Visual color preview shows approximate beer color
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
Accurate Measurements: Weigh malts precisely
Fresh Ingredients: Old malt may darken
pH Control: Monitor and adjust
Consistent Process: Same boil time/vigor
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
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