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Wort dilution calculator: water to reach target gravity
For unfermented wort, final volume ≈ current volume × current gravity points ÷ target gravity points. Diluting 20 L at 1.060 to 1.050 requires about 4 L of water, giving 24 L total.
BrewMyBeer Editorial Team · Sources checked 24 September 2026 · Calculated examples, not laboratory measurements. How we create content
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Calculate your batch
Change the example values. Inputs stay in your browser, and your last inputs are remembered here.
Confirm the reading before changing the batch
Mix the wort and confirm volume and temperature-corrected gravity. A concentrated sample from poorly mixed top-up wort can suggest a problem that the full batch does not have.
Use the same temperature basis for the measurements. This is the usual gravity-points approximation, not an exact solution based on extract mass and density tables. The displayed decimal places do not imply that level of real-world accuracy.
Water changes more than original gravity
Top-up water reduces concentrations of extract, colour and bitterness. In the example, 20 L becomes 24 L, so ingredients already dissolved in the original wort are distributed across 20% more volume. Review the intended flavour as well as the target SG.
Use water suitable for brewing and an appropriate sanitary process for the stage of production. Cold-side additions need particular care with contamination and oxygen exposure. This tool does not prescribe a treatment method or certify the batch for packaging.
Before you use the result
- Adding water cannot raise gravity.
- A target equal to current gravity requires no water.
- Do not use this wort model to blend finished spirits to a labelled strength.
A quick learning check
Why does reducing 60 gravity points to 50 require 24 L total rather than 22 L?
Try a craft decision game →Sources & further reading
These references explain the methods and limitations. The worked examples and learning questions on this page are BrewMyBeer calculations, not claims of hands-on testing.