Enter your spirit's current ABV, your target ABV, and the volume you have. The calculator tells you exactly how much water to add. Always add water slowly and stir — then verify with a calibrated alcometer before bottling.
Target ABV40%
Tips
Use distilled waterTap water can add off-flavours. Distilled or filtered water gives the cleanest result.
Add slowlyAdd water in small amounts, stir well and let it rest a few minutes before taking a reading.
LouchingSome spirits (especially anise-based) will go cloudy when water is added — this is normal and called louching.
Always verifyThis calculator gives a close estimate — always confirm with a calibrated alcometer before bottling.
Bottle Calculator
How much spirit and water to fill your bottles at a target ABV
Bottling
Enter your spirit's current ABV, your target bottling strength, your bottle size, and how many bottles you want to fill. The calculator shows exactly how much spirit and water you need — and whether you have enough spirit to fill all the bottles.
Per Bottle Breakdown
Bottle
Spirit to add
Water to add
Final volume
ABV
Tips
Measure per bottleMeasure spirit and water separately for each bottle rather than pre-mixing a large batch — you'll get more consistent results.
Rest after dilutionLet the diluted spirit rest for 24–48 hours before bottling — the water and alcohol need time to integrate properly.
Verify ABVAlways check with an alcometer after diluting. Temperature affects readings — take measurements at 20°C for accuracy.
Label immediatelyLabel bottles as soon as you fill them — it's easy to lose track of which batch or ABV is which.
ABV from Gravity
Estimate wash ABV from original and final gravity readings
Fermentation
Take a hydrometer reading before fermentation starts (Original Gravity) and again when it finishes (Final Gravity). The difference tells you how much sugar was converted to alcohol. A finished wash typically reads 0.990–1.000 FG.
Estimated Wash ABV10.2%
Tips
Take OG at pitchingMeasure your original gravity before adding yeast, once all sugar and water is mixed and at the right temperature.
Temperature mattersHydrometers are calibrated at 20°C. Readings taken at other temperatures will be slightly off — use a temperature correction calculator if precision matters.
FG stalled?If FG won't drop below 1.010, your yeast may have stalled. Try gently warming the fermenter or adding a yeast nutrient.
Wash ABV vs spirit ABVThis gives you the ABV of your wash before distilling — your distilled spirit will be much higher strength.
Sugar to SG
How much sugar to add to hit a target specific gravity
Sugar Wash
Enter your batch volume and target SG to find out how much sugar you need. The calculator also shows the estimated wash ABV if fermentation goes to completion. Add sugar gradually — check SG as you go rather than adding it all at once.
Tips
Add slowlyDissolve sugar in warm water and add gradually — check SG after each addition. Stop when you hit your target.
Sweet spot1.060–1.080 is the ideal range for most washes. Higher than 1.090 stresses yeast and risks a stuck ferment.
TemperatureMeasure SG when the wash has cooled to 20°C for an accurate reading. Hot liquid gives a falsely low SG.
Too high?If you've overshot your target SG, just add more water until it comes down to where you want it.