Triple Scale Hydrometer for Beer & Wine

The Beer and Wine Triple Scale Hydrometer is a must-have tool for any homebrewer or winemaker. This economical alcohol hydrometer provides accurate readings in three essential scales—Specific Gravity (SG), Brix/Balling, and Potential Alcohol (PA). Use it to monitor fermentation progress, estimate alcohol content (ABV), and troubleshoot stalled fermentations with confidence. This triple scale hydrometer is ideal for measuring:  Original Gravity (OG) before fermentation Final Gravity (FG) after fermentation Potential Alcohol (PA) based on sugar content Brix levels for fruit wines, meads, and ciders Looking for a shatterproof hydrometer? Try the Herculometer Triple Scale Hydrometer. Need a complete testing setup? Consider upgrading with our Mad Brewer Upgrade Kit or the Brewery Essentials Gravity Testing Kit. A hydrometer is one of the most important tools in homebrewing. It helps you adjust recipes, monitor fermentation, and assess yeast health through precise gravity readings. This glass hydrometer features a long, narrow stem and a weighted bulb to float upright in liquid, allowing you to visually measure your brew’s progress. How to Use a Hydrometer Float the hydrometer in a test jar filled with wort or wine. A reading in plain water will show 1.000 SG. Higher sugar content will float the hydrometer higher. For example, 2 lbs of sugar in a gallon of water results in a reading around 1.068. Always take readings at 60°F for the most accurate results. Understanding the Scales Specific Gravity (SG): Measures density compared to water. Use SG to calculate ABV and monitor fermentation progress. Brix/Balling: Common in winemaking, this scale measures sugar concentration. Potential Alcohol (PA): Estimates the maximum ABV if all sugars fully ferment. For example, a 9% PA means full fermentation would yield 9% ABV. Why Choose This Hydrometer? Affordable and accurate Reads SG, Brix, and PA in one tool Perfect for beer, wine, cider, and mead Easy to use and essential for quality control How to Calculate ABV To estimate the alcohol by volume (ABV) of your beer or wine, use the following formula: ABV (%) = (Original Gravity - Final Gravity) × 131.25 Example: If your OG is 1.068 and your FG is 1.012, then: (1.068 - 1.012) × 131.25 = 7.35% ABV This calculation assumes full fermentation of sugars and is a standard method used by homebrewers and winemakers. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What’s the difference between Specific Gravity, Brix, and Potential Alcohol readings? A: Specific Gravity measures density relative to water. Brix measures sugar concentration. Potential Alcohol estimates the final ABV based on sugar content. This hydrometer lets you read all three to suit beer, wine, or mead brewing. Q: Can I use this hydrometer for both beer and wine? A: Absolutely. It’s designed for both. Whether you're checking OG in beer wort or measuring sugar in wine must, this hydrometer has you covered. Q: How do I calculate ABV with a hydrometer? A: Use the formula: (OG - FG) × 131.25. Many brewers also use online calculators to double-check results. Q: My reading seems off—what’s wrong? A: Make sure the liquid is at 60°F, degassed, and that the hydrometer floats freely. Bubbles or temperature can affect accuracy. California Proposition 65 ⚠ Proposition 65 Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals that are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.