Dilution Reference

Diluting 63% ABV to 50% ABV

How much water to add to bring 63% spirit down to 50% ABV — with worked examples and the formula.

Water to Add: 63% → 50% ABV

Standard volume method. Verify the final strength with a hydrometer before bottling.

Per 1 Litre
260mL water
Per 750 mL bottle
195mL water
Per 1 US gallon
984mL water
Final volume / litre
1260mL
water to add = volume × (current ABV − target ABV) ÷ target ABV
= 1000 × (63 − 50) ÷ 50 = 260 mL per litre
Open the interactive ABV Dilution Calculator →

About this dilution

63% is typical American barrel-entry strength, while 50% (100 US proof) is the classic bottled-in-bond and overproof reference point. Bringing 63% down to 50% means adding roughly 260 mL of water for every litre of spirit, increasing the batch to about 1260 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 50% ABV. Measure at 20°C.

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Common questions

How much water do I add to dilute 63% ABV to 50%?

Add roughly 260 mL of water to each litre of 63% spirit to reach 50% 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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