This AVB calculator uses the original specific gravity reading and the final gravity or expected final gravity reading to determine the alcohol by volume of a batch of cider. The specific gravity readings (or brix if you prefer) are taken using a hydrometer before and after fermentation. The change in specific gravity shows how much sugar the yeast has consumed and from this, ABV can be estimated using a simple calculation.
If you are looking to increase the amount of alcohol potential of your cider by adding more fermentable sugar, such as apple juice concentrate, check out the chaptalization calculator to see how much sugar you should add to achieve your desired ABV.
Accuracy of the calculator:
There are several variations of this equation that result in slightly different results depending on how much alcohol is in the cider. Specific gravity and alcohol content is not linear, meaning that the calculation for cider is dialed into to be accurate for 4-6% ABV while the equation for wine is dialed in for around 11-15% ABV.
Because a cider is generally lower than 6% AVB, a basic equation is sufficient for home cider making. If you are making a cider with an ABV closer to wine, say 10-15%, an alternative may provide more accurate results.
ABV equation for cider (4-6% ABV)
(OG-FG)*131.25= %ABV
source: The Joy of Homebrewing Method by Charlie Papazian, Bee Lee’s Method, Beer Advocate Method
ABV equation for high gravity (10-15% ABV)
%ABV =(76.08 * (OG-FG) / (1.775-OG)) * (FG / 0.794)
source: Ritchie Products Ltd, (Zymurgy, Summer 1995, vol. 18, no. 2) -Michael L. Hall’s article Brew by the Numbers: Add Up What’s in Your Beer, and Designing Great Beers by Daniels
If you were to use the equations to calculate the ABV for a cider with an original SG of 1.050 and a final SG of 1.010 you will notice that the result is only 0.09% different. But, if you do this for a cider with an OG of 1.100 and an FG of 1.010 you will see more than a 1% ABV difference.
For the propose of home cider making, a slight difference is probably not a big concern however a commercial cider maker may need to conduct an in-depth analysis.
Check out our other useful Calculators for cider making!
