What is real extract?

Real extract is the true amount of dissolved solids remaining in beer after fermentation, corrected for the presence of alcohol. A hydrometer reads apparent extract which is lower than real extract because alcohol is lighter than water and makes the gravity appear lower.

Why does real extract matter?

Real extract gives you the true sugar content of your finished beer, which affects perceived body and sweetness. It is also needed for accurate calorie calculations and determining real attenuation.

How is real extract different from apparent extract?

Apparent extract (AE) is what your hydrometer reads. Real extract (RE) corrects for alcohol using the Balling formula: RE = (0.1808 x OE) + (0.8192 x AE). RE is always higher than AE because alcohol makes the beer appear less dense than it actually is.

What is a typical real extract for beer?

Most finished beers have a real extract of 3-6 °P. Light lagers may be as low as 2.5 °P, while full-bodied stouts or sweet beers with lactose can reach 7-9 °P. Higher real extract generally means more body and perceived sweetness.

How does real extract relate to calories?

Real extract directly feeds into calorie calculations. The residual carbohydrates represented by RE contribute about 4 kcal per gram. Combined with alcohol calories (7 kcal per gram), RE is essential for accurate beer calorie estimates.

BrewCalcs

Real Extract Calculator — True Sugar Content

Calculate real extract accounting for alcohol in your finished beer.

Original Gravity (OG)

Gravity reading taken before fermentation

Final Gravity (FG)

Gravity reading taken after fermentation

How We Calculate This

The Balling Formula

Real extract is calculated using the Balling formula: RE = (0.1808 x OE) + (0.8192 x AE), where OE is original extract and AE is apparent extract, both in degrees Plato.

Converting SG to Plato

The conversion uses the polynomial: °P = -616.868 + 1111.14 x SG - 630.272 x SG² + 135.997 x SG³

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

ABV Calculator

Calculate alcohol by volume from original and final gravity readings.

Original Gravity Calculator

Estimate original gravity from your grain bill and mash efficiency.

Final Gravity Calculator

Estimate final gravity based on OG and yeast attenuation.

Brix to SG Converter

Convert Brix refractometer readings to specific gravity.

Plato to SG Converter

Convert degrees Plato to specific gravity and back.

Last updated: 2025-02-20

All calculations are estimates. Always verify values and adjust based on your equipment and ingredients.