Gravity Correction

The Gravity Correction tool helps you adjust your wort's specific gravity to hit your target numbers.

Calculate how much DME to add or how much to boil off if gravity is too low

Calculate how much water to add if gravity is too high

Calculate how to correct the gravity by altering boil time if preferred

How to Use

1. Enter Current Volume - Your wort volume

2. Enter Current Gravity - Take gravity reading

3. Enter Target Gravity - Your desired gravity

4. Select Correction Method:

   • Add DME/LME if too low

   • Add water if too high

   • Adjust boil time

5. View Calculations - Amount to add or time to boil

When to Use

• Pre-boil or post-boil gravity is off target

• Correcting efficiency issues

• Planning high-gravity dilutions

Correction Methods

If Gravity is Too Low

Option 1: Add Fermentables

• Calculate DME (Dry Malt Extract) addition

• Calculate LME (Liquid Malt Extract) addition

• Calculate sugar additions

• Add fermentables during the boil

Option 2: Extend Boil Time

• Calculate additional boil time needed

• Concentrate wort through evaporation

• Adjust hop additions for extended boil

• Monitor volume reduction

If Gravity is Too High

Option 1: Add Water

• Calculate water volume needed

• Use pre-boiled or distilled water

• Add before or after boil

• Consider mineral adjustments

Option 2: Reduce Boil Time

• Calculate shorter boil duration

• Less evaporation maintains volume

• Adjust hop schedule accordingly

Options

Boil-Off Rate: Typically 2-6 L/hour (0.5-1.5 gal/hour) Extract Values: DME ~45 PPG, LME ~36 PPG

Common Scenarios

Pre-Boil Adjustment

Situation: Mash efficiency lower than expected

• Measure pre-boil gravity and volume

• Calculate DME needed or extra boil time

• Add DME early in boil for best integration

• Adjust hop schedule if extending boil

Post-Boil Adjustment

Situation: Missed target OG after boiling

• Cool sample for accurate reading

• Add DME dissolved in small amount of water

• Or dilute with pre-boiled water

• Stir gently to incorporate

High-Gravity Brewing

Situation: Intentionally brewing concentrated wort

• Plan dilution rate in advance

• Calculate water needed at packaging

• Maintain hop utilization ratios

• Adjust yeast pitch rate

DME/LME Addition Guidelines

Typical Extract Values

• DME: 45 PPG (points per pound per gallon)

• LME: 36 PPG

• Table Sugar: 46 PPG

• Corn Sugar: 37 PPG

Adding Extracts

1. Remove kettle from heat

2. Slowly add extract while stirring

3. Ensure complete dissolution

4. Return to boil

5. Watch for boil-overs

Water Addition Guidelines

Water Quality

• Use filtered or distilled water

• Pre-boil to remove chlorine

• Cool to wort temperature

• Consider mineral content

When to Add Water

• Pre-boil: Affects hop utilization

• Post-boil: Maintains hop character

• In fermenter: Easiest but requires sanitation

• At packaging: For high-gravity beers

Boil Time Adjustments

Extending the Boil

Pros:

• No additional ingredients needed

• Concentrates all wort components

• Can improve clarity

Cons:

• Changes hop utilization

• Increases melanoidin formation

• Takes additional time

• May darken wort

Reducing Boil Time

Pros:

• Preserves delicate flavors

• Lighter color retention

• Saves time and energy

Cons:

• Less protein coagulation

• Reduced DMS drive-off

• May affect hop utilization

Practical Examples

Example 1: Low Efficiency

• Target: 1.050 OG at 19 liters (5 gallons)

• Actual: 1.042 at 21 liters (5.5 gallons) pre-boil

• Solution: Add 340g (0.75 lbs) DME or boil extra 30 minutes

Example 2: Over-efficiency

• Target: 1.048 OG at 19 liters (5 gallons)

• Actual: 1.056 at 18 liters (4.8 gallons)

• Solution: Add 3 liters (0.8 gallons) water

Tips for Success

• Take Multiple Readings: Confirm gravity with multiple samples

• Mix Thoroughly: Ensure even distribution of additions

• Temperature Matters: Always temperature-correct readings

• Document Changes: Note adjustments in brew log

• Plan Ahead: Have DME on hand for corrections

Using During Brew Day

• Pre-calculate potential corrections before brewing

• Keep DME or other correction supplies ready

• Document actual values and corrections in your brew notes

• Learn from efficiency patterns over time

• Adjust future recipe planning based on your system's performance

Prevention Tips

Consistent Efficiency

• Maintain consistent grain crush

• Monitor mash pH

• Ensure proper mash temperatures

• Adequate sparging technique

Accurate Measurements

• Calibrate equipment regularly

• Account for thermal expansion

• Use proper sampling techniques

• Mix wort before sampling