Advertisement
100% x 90

Alcohol Dilution Calculator

Calculate the perfect dilution ratio for spirits, tinctures, and homemade alcohol solutions

Calculate Alcohol Dilution

Volume of high-proof alcohol you have

%

Alcohol by volume (ABV) of strong spirit

%

Use 0% for water, or percentage of weaker spirit

%

Desired final alcohol concentration

Account for volume reduction when mixing alcohol and water

Common Dilution Examples

91% Isopropyl → 70%:
Add 300ml water to 1L isopropyl
95% Ethanol → 40% (Vodka):
Add 1.4L water to 1L ethanol
80% Spirit → 30%:
Add 1.67L water to 1L spirit
60% Liquor → 35%:
Add 714ml water to 1L liquor

Step-by-Step Example

Making 40% Vodka from 95% Ethanol

Starting material: 1L of 95% ethanol

Diluent: Water (0% alcohol)

Target: 40% alcohol

Cross Method

Parts strong = 40 - 0 = 40

Parts water = 95 - 40 = 55

Ratio = 40:55

Water needed: (55 × 1000ml) ÷ 40 = 1375ml

Final volume: 2375ml at 40%

Advertisement
100% x 250

Safety Guidelines

⚠️

Always Add Water to Alcohol

Never add alcohol to water to prevent heat buildup

🌡️

Use Room Temperature Liquids

Cold mixing reduces heat generation

👥

Legal Considerations

Check local laws regarding alcohol production

Sweetness Levels

Dry≤50g sugar/L
Semidry51-120g/L
Semisweet121-220g/L
Sweet221-330g/L
Liqueur>331g/L

Volume tip: 100g sugar = 60ml volume, 100g honey = 75ml volume

Understanding Alcohol Dilution

What is Alcohol Dilution?

Alcohol dilution is the process of reducing the alcohol content of a spirit by adding water or a weaker alcoholic solution. This is commonly used in making tinctures, custom spirits, and adjusting alcohol strength for different purposes.

The Cross Method

The cross method is a simple mathematical approach to calculate dilution ratios. It works by determining the parts of strong and weak alcohol needed to achieve your target concentration.

Common Applications

  • Making herbal tinctures and extracts
  • Diluting medical or isopropyl alcohol
  • Creating custom spirit blends
  • Adjusting homemade liquor strength

Alcohol Contraction

When alcohol and water mix, the total volume decreases due to molecular arrangement. Alcohol molecules can fit between water molecules, causing volume contraction.

Contraction by Final Strength:

30% ABV: ~24ml/L lost
40% ABV: ~29ml/L lost
50% ABV: ~31ml/L lost
70% ABV: ~27ml/L lost

Safety Tips

Always add water to alcohol - never alcohol to water to prevent dangerous heat buildup

Use appropriate measuring tools - precision is important for consistent results

Advertisement
100% x 250