Water to Add: 55% → 43% ABV
Standard volume method. Verify the final strength with a hydrometer before bottling.
Per 1 Litre
279mL water
Per 750 mL bottle
209mL water
Per 1 US gallon
1056mL water
Final volume / litre
1279mL
water to add = volume × (current ABV − target ABV) ÷ target ABV
= 1000 × (55 − 43) ÷ 43 = 279 mL per litre
Open the interactive ABV Dilution Calculator →
= 1000 × (55 − 43) ÷ 43 = 279 mL per litre
About this dilution
55% is a high-strength spirit before reduction, while 43% is a common premium bottling strength used by many whisky and rum brands. Bringing 55% down to 43% means adding roughly 279 mL of water for every litre of spirit, increasing the batch to about 1279 mL.
For casual reduction the standard volume method above is accurate enough. When bottling at an exact legal strength, switch to OIML Precise mode in the calculator, which corrects for the slight volume contraction that occurs when ethanol and water mix.
Verify before bottling: a calibrated alcoholmeter is the only way to confirm you have hit 43% ABV. Measure at 20°C.
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Common questions
How much water do I add to dilute 55% ABV to 43%?
Add roughly 279 mL of water to each litre of 55% spirit to reach 43% ABV. The formula is water to add = volume times (current ABV minus target ABV) divided by target ABV.
Why should I verify the result with a hydrometer?
Ethanol and water contract slightly when mixed, so the real strength can sit just under the calculated figure. Always confirm with a calibrated alcoholmeter at 20°C before bottling.
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