01
Fermentation Intelligence

Brix works
before
fermentation.
Not after.

Post-fermentation refractometer readings are distorted by alcohol. Fermentiq uses your hydrometer's final gravity — the honest number — to calculate ABV with a single formula, no fudge factors.

131.25

Daniels multiplier

±0.1%

ABV precision

0 ads

No distractions

How the formula works ↓
Fermentiq ABV Calculator

Alcohol by Volume

—

Formula: (OG − FG) × 131.25 · Standard Daniels method

02
Why This Matters

A fermenter who doesn't know their ABV is flying blind.
And probably under-pitching their next batch too.

Fermentiq exists because the internet is full of ABV calculators that let you enter a post-fermentation Brix reading without telling you it's unreliable. We surface that warning clearly. We default to gravity. We trust the hydrometer. Mead is already complicated enough — your ABV calculation shouldn't add to it.

1.120

Typical mead OG

26°Brix starting point

1.010

Dry mead FG target

Below 1.000 = bone dry

14.4%

Resulting ABV

Strong traditional mead

~6 mo

Time to peak clarity

Patience, not math

03
The Method

Three readings. One honest number.

Fermentiq uses the standard Daniels formula — the same one in every serious homebrewing reference. No black box, no unexplained correction factors.

Step 01

Take your original gravity before pitching yeast

OG at 1.120? Write it down. That's your starting point. Hydrometer or a reliable refractometer — either works pre-fermentation.

OG = 1.120

Step 02

Wait for fermentation to finish, then take final gravity

Use your hydrometer, not your refractometer. Alcohol bends light — your refractometer will lie to you after fermentation starts.

FG = 1.010

Step 03

Enter both values. Fermentiq does the arithmetic.

ABV = (OG − FG) × 131.25. That's it. The calculator applies it instantly and tells you what strength category you've landed in.

ABV = 14.4%
04
Input Modes

Two ways in. One right answer.

SG

Specific Gravity mode

Recommended

Enter your OG and FG as specific gravity readings (e.g. 1.120 and 1.010). This is the most reliable method at every stage of fermentation. Your hydrometer reads gravity directly.

Original Gravity

recorded at pitch

1.120

Final Gravity

stable for 3 days

1.010

ABV Result

wine strength

14.4%

Bx

Brix mode

Pre-fermentation only

Enter your starting Brix reading (from a refractometer) and the final gravity from your hydrometer. Fermentiq converts Brix to SG automatically — but the FG must still be in specific gravity.

Starting Brix

pre-pitch refractometer

28.0°

Final Gravity

hydrometer reading ⚠

1.010

ABV Result

estimated

~14.3%

Post-fermentation refractometer readings are inaccurate — alcohol distorts the refractive index. Always use a hydrometer for FG.

“Finally a calculator that warns you about the refractometer problem instead of just letting you get wrong answers.”

Marcus T.

Mead maker, 8 years

“Bookmarked on day one. I've used it for every batch since — traditional, braggot, cyser. Clean, fast, honest.”

Priya N.

Homebrewer & herbalist

“The Brix warning is the best feature. Half the forums are full of people reporting ABV numbers that are wrong because of this exact issue.”

Sam W.

Competition mead judge

05
Common Questions

The questions we get between batches.

Get batch notes in your inbox

Gravity logs, fermentation science, and mead nerdery — monthly.

No frequency abuse. No sponsor plugs. Just the kind of fermentation content worth reading between gravity checks.

Unsubscribe anytime · No spam · No sharing

The Mead Lab

Brew smarter, ferment better

Beginner Guide

How to Calculate ABV for Mead: Original Gravity, Final Gravity, and Everything in Between

Knowing your mead's alcohol by volume isn't just a bragging-right number — it tells you whether fermentation is complete, how to back-sweeten safely, and whether your yeast has hit its tolerance limit. This guide walks through the gravity-based ABV formula, what hydrometer readings actually mean, and how an online ABV calculator removes the math entirely. Whether you're on your first batch or your fiftieth, understanding OG and FG is the foundation of consistent meadmaking.

Read more →9 min read
Tips & Troubleshooting

10 Common Meadmaking Mistakes That Throw Off Your ABV (and How to Fix Them)

Stuck fermentation, inaccurate hydrometer reads, and skipping a starting gravity measurement are just a few of the pitfalls that leave meadmakers guessing at their final ABV. We break down the ten most common errors — from not correcting for temperature to using old nutrient schedules — so you can fix them before your next batch. Each mistake includes a quick diagnostic and a concrete solution you can apply immediately.

Read more →9 min read
Comparison

Hydrometer vs. Refractometer for Mead: Which Gives You a More Accurate ABV Reading?

Hydrometers have been the homebrewer's go-to for decades, but refractometers promise faster readings with just a drop of must — so which tool actually gives you a more accurate ABV for mead? The answer matters because honey-heavy musts and alcohol content affect each instrument differently. We compare accuracy, cost, ease of use, and when you should reach for one over the other.

Read more →9 min read
Style Guide

Target ABV for Every Style of Mead: Traditional, Melomel, Cyser, and More

A session mead and a sack mead can differ by more than 10% ABV — and hitting the right range is what separates a balanced drink from an undrinkable rocket fuel. This guide maps out typical ABV targets for every major mead style, explains which honey-to-water ratios get you there, and shows you how to use a gravity calculator to dial in your recipe before you even pitch the yeast. From light session meads at 3–6% to fortified melomels pushing 18%, there's a target for every palate.

Read more →10 min read
Ultimate Guide

The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Starting and Final Gravity in Meadmaking

If you've ever wondered why meadmakers obsess over specific gravity numbers, this is the guide for you. Original gravity (OG) tells you your potential ABV before fermentation; final gravity (FG) tells you how much sugar remains when fermentation wraps up — and together they unlock everything from ABV calculation to knowing when your mead is safe to bottle. We cover how to take a proper reading, what 'normal' ranges look like for popular mead styles, and how to troubleshoot a gravity that won't drop.

Read more →9 min read