Conversion Tool

Gravity Temperature Correction

Enter measured SG, sample temperature and the hydrometer calibration temperature to get the true specific gravity.

SG Temperature Correction

Corrects a hydrometer reading taken at one temperature back to the calibration temperature.

SG
deg
deg
Corrected SG
1.0508
Adjustment
+0.0008

How temperature correction works

A hydrometer is set to read correctly at one temperature. Liquid expands as it warms, so a warm sample is less dense and the hydrometer floats lower, giving a reading below the true value. A cold sample does the reverse. The correction rescales the reading using the density of water at each temperature.

The effect is small near room temperature but grows quickly with a hot wort straight off the boil. For gravity readings that feed an ABV calculation, correcting both the original and final reading keeps the alcohol figure honest.

Measure gravity accurately: a triple scale brewing hydrometer reads SG, Brix and potential alcohol. Correct the reading for temperature with the tool above.

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Common questions

Why correct a gravity reading for temperature?

A hydrometer is calibrated at one temperature, often 60 or 68°F. A warmer sample is less dense and reads low, a colder sample reads high. The correction returns the reading the hydrometer would show at its calibration temperature.

What calibration temperature should I use?

Check the hydrometer or its paperwork. Many brewing hydrometers are calibrated at 60°F, while some wine and lab instruments use 68°F, which is 20°C. The default here is 60°F.

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Knowledge Base

Distilling Guides & Reference Articles

In-depth guides written for home distillers and craft producers — from reading a hydrometer to making clean spirit cuts.

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