Brix Calculator: Convert Brix to Specific Gravity and Back
Free Brix calculator converts Brix to specific gravity and back — 12 Brix ≈ SG 1.048 — with a wort correction factor for refractometer readings.
Brix and specific gravity answer the same question — how much sugar is dissolved in your liquid — on two different scales. The calculator above converts between them in both directions: enter degrees Brix from a refractometer to get specific gravity, or enter a hydrometer SG to get Brix. It uses the standard formula SG = 1 + (Brix ÷ (258.6 − (Brix ÷ 258.2) × 227.1)), so 12 °Brix converts to SG 1.048. The reverse direction runs the cubic approximation Brix = 143.254×SG³ − 648.670×SG² + 1125.805×SG − 620.389. Measuring beer wort? Use the wort correction factor field (default 1.040): refractometers are calibrated for sucrose, and maltose-heavy wort reads about 4% high. For quick mental math, 1 °Brix ≈ 0.004 SG points ≈ 1 gram of sucrose per 100 grams of solution — so a 10 °Brix juice sits near SG 1.040.
How do you convert Brix to specific gravity?
Use SG = 1 + (Brix ÷ (258.6 − (Brix ÷ 258.2) × 227.1)). For 12 °Brix, the denominator works out to 248.05, and 12 ÷ 248.05 = 0.0484, giving SG 1.048. A faster approximation: multiply Brix by 4 to get gravity points (12 × 4 = 48, so 1.048); that shortcut is reliable up to about 15 °Brix. The calculator above runs the exact formula in both directions.
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Brix ⇄ Specific Gravity Converter
Key Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| 12 °Brix in specific gravity | SG 1.048 |
| Quick rule per 1 °Brix | ≈ 0.004 SG points ≈ 1 g sucrose per 100 g |
| Default wort correction factor | 1.040 (typical range 1.02–1.06) |
| Potential alcohol per °Brix (wine) | × 0.55–0.60 (0.59 most common) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you convert Brix to specific gravity?
Use SG = 1 + (Brix ÷ (258.6 − (Brix ÷ 258.2) × 227.1)). For 12 °Brix, the denominator works out to 248.05, and 12 ÷ 248.05 = 0.0484, giving SG 1.048. A faster approximation: multiply Brix by 4 to get gravity points (12 × 4 = 48, so 1.048); that shortcut is reliable up to about 15 °Brix. The calculator above runs the exact formula in both directions.
What wort correction factor should I use for beer?
Start with 1.040 — divide your raw refractometer Brix by it before converting to gravity. Refractometers are calibrated for sucrose, and maltose-based wort reads roughly 4% high. Individual instruments vary between about 1.02 and 1.06, so for best accuracy measure the same unfermented wort with both a hydrometer and a refractometer across several brews and average the ratio. The 1.040 default keeps most pale worts within one gravity point.
Can I use a refractometer after fermentation starts?
Not directly. Alcohol bends light (refractive index about 1.361 versus water’s 1.333) while lowering density, so a fermenting sample’s Brix reading no longer represents sugar — a beer at a true SG 1.010 can still read about 6 °Brix. Correction formulas that use your original gravity get within roughly 0.002 SG, good enough for trend-watching, but confirm final gravity with a hydrometer before calculating ABV.
Are these calculators free to use?
Yes, all calculators on CalcCorp are completely free — no registration, no login, no hidden charges. Results are calculated instantly in your browser and we do not store any of your data.
How accurate are these calculations?
Our calculators use standard financial formulas updated with the latest tax rates, interest rates, and government policies for 2026. Results are accurate for planning purposes but should be verified with a professional for final decisions.
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Last updated: March 2026