A hydrometer measures the relative density of a solution relative to the density of water. This is referred to as Specific Gravity. Sugar water will have a density that is greater than pure water. Ethanol has a density that is less than water. The hydrometer will sink further into a solution of alcohol and not sink as far into a sugar solution. Specific Gravity is unitless. It defines the ratio of the density of a solution to the density of water. Specific Gravity is calculated like so, Specific Gravity = (Density g/cm³)/(1 g/cm³).
In general a hydrometer is utilized to determine the sugar content of something that can be fermented. This could be wine must, beer or whiskey mash and even things that do not have anything to do with making alcoholic beverages. Hydrometers are scaled and calibrated for each distinct purpose. Such as, a hydrometer used to determine the sugar content and potential alcohol in a whiskey mash will usually measure the Specific Gravity within a range between ~0.990 - 1.180. If you're measuring distilled spirits you must have a liquor hydrometer which will have a proof range from 0-200 or a tralle range from 0-100. Here is some sample data that shows the Specific Gravity of a few popular solutions.
To calculate the sugar content and potential alcohol of your mash you need to use a beer and wine hydrometer. Simply take a sample of the mash and pour it into a tall graduated cylinder. The graduated cylinder can be a jar or something that is narrow and tall. Nevertheless, ensure that the cylinder is as tall or taller compared to the hydrometer. Next, lower the hydrometer into the graduated cylinder until it is floating. Give it just a little spin similar to a top to shake loose any air bubbles that might stick to the hydrometer. Now you are prepared to read the hydrometer. Examine the number on the hydrometer that is at the same level as the liquid. You can now determine sugar content and potential alcohol assuming that both measurements are on the hydrometer.
To learn more about using a hydrometer check out the article "What is a Hydrometer?" If you are using the hydrometer in the preparation of a whiskey mash or distilled product go to How To Make Whiskey Headquarters for recipes, techniques and discussion on this facinating subject.
In general a hydrometer is utilized to determine the sugar content of something that can be fermented. This could be wine must, beer or whiskey mash and even things that do not have anything to do with making alcoholic beverages. Hydrometers are scaled and calibrated for each distinct purpose. Such as, a hydrometer used to determine the sugar content and potential alcohol in a whiskey mash will usually measure the Specific Gravity within a range between ~0.990 - 1.180. If you're measuring distilled spirits you must have a liquor hydrometer which will have a proof range from 0-200 or a tralle range from 0-100. Here is some sample data that shows the Specific Gravity of a few popular solutions.
- Pure Water: Specific Gravity = 1.0
- Pure Ethanol: Specific Gravity = 0.785
- 50% Ethanol: Specific Gravity = 0.8925
To calculate the sugar content and potential alcohol of your mash you need to use a beer and wine hydrometer. Simply take a sample of the mash and pour it into a tall graduated cylinder. The graduated cylinder can be a jar or something that is narrow and tall. Nevertheless, ensure that the cylinder is as tall or taller compared to the hydrometer. Next, lower the hydrometer into the graduated cylinder until it is floating. Give it just a little spin similar to a top to shake loose any air bubbles that might stick to the hydrometer. Now you are prepared to read the hydrometer. Examine the number on the hydrometer that is at the same level as the liquid. You can now determine sugar content and potential alcohol assuming that both measurements are on the hydrometer.
To learn more about using a hydrometer check out the article "What is a Hydrometer?" If you are using the hydrometer in the preparation of a whiskey mash or distilled product go to How To Make Whiskey Headquarters for recipes, techniques and discussion on this facinating subject.
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