Extract Conversion Calculatorv1.0.0

This calculator provides two conversion modes for homebrewers and professional brewers. The first mode converts between Liquid Malt Extract (LME) and Dry Malt Extract (DME) using the standard gravity ratio. The second mode handles conversions between any combination of LME, DME, and base grain while accounting for differences in extract potential (PPG) and brewhouse efficiency. All conversions preserve the equivalent gravity contribution so your recipe maintains the same original gravity regardless of which fermentable form you use.

The LME to DME conversion uses the formula DME = LME x (37 / 45), reflecting that DME has a higher points-per-pound-per-gallon value than LME. The reverse conversion uses LME = DME x (45 / 37). The general extract-to-grain conversion uses the formula: Final Amount = (Beginning Amount x Beginning PPG x Beginning Efficiency) / (Final PPG x Final Efficiency). This accounts for the fact that base grains require mashing with a brewhouse efficiency factor, while extracts are assumed to deliver 100% of their rated PPG.

• Select your preferred Weight Units (pounds or kilograms) for the LME/DME section.
• Enter the weight of LME or DME in the LME Weight or DME Weight field to see the equivalent amount of the other extract type.
• For extract-to-grain conversions, choose the Fermentable Type you are converting from and to using the dropdown menus.
• Enter the Beginning Amount of your source fermentable.
• Adjust the PPG values if your specific malt extract or grain differs from the defaults (LME: 37, DME: 45, Base Grain: 35).
• Set the Brewhouse Efficiency percentage for grain conversions. Extract types default to 100% efficiency.
• View the converted amount and formula derivation in the results area. Enable Show step-by-step for a detailed breakdown of the calculation.
• Use the Settings panel to customize default PPG values, efficiency, and decimal precision.
• All inputs accept fractions (3/4), mixed numbers (5 1/2), and decimal values (2.75).

Brewers frequently need to substitute one fermentable form for another when adapting recipes, adjusting inventory, or transitioning between brewing methods. This calculator handles the gravity math so you can swap ingredients with confidence that your original gravity target remains consistent.

• Extract Recipe Adaptation: Convert a recipe that calls for 6 lb of LME to the equivalent DME weight when your homebrew shop only stocks dry extract. Enter 6 in the LME field and read the DME equivalent directly.
• All-Grain Transition: Move from extract brewing to all-grain by converting your LME and DME amounts to base grain weights. Account for your specific brewhouse efficiency to ensure the same gravity contribution.
• Partial Mash Recipes: Determine how much base grain to substitute for a portion of extract in a partial mash recipe. Convert only the amount you want to replace while keeping the rest as extract.
• Inventory Management: When you have leftover DME but a recipe calls for LME, quickly determine the correct substitution weight without manual calculation.
• Recipe Scaling: After scaling a recipe up or down, verify that your extract-to-grain conversions remain accurate by entering the new amounts and checking the output against your target gravity.
• Efficiency Comparison: Compare how much grain is needed at different brewhouse efficiency levels. Test values from 65% to 80% to understand how your system's efficiency affects grain requirements.
• Competition Brewing: Ensure precise gravity matching when converting a proven extract recipe to all-grain format for competition entry. Use exact PPG values from your malt supplier's specification sheets.
• Education: Learn the relationship between extract potential, brewhouse efficiency, and fermentable weight. Enable the step-by-step view to see how each variable affects the final amount.