Hydrometers & Refractometers

A precision hydrometer is an essential tool for every homebrewer. Use it to measure the Original Gravity (OG) of your wort and the Final Gravity (FG) of your beer to calculate alcohol by volume (ABV), track fermentation progress, and evaluate yeast performance. Hydrometers provide consistent, repeatable gravity readings that help you brew better beer, every time.

Refractometers offer a fast, low-volume way to check gravity — requiring just a few drops of wort. Perfect for all-grain brewers, a refractometer is ideal for measuring mash runoff or gravity during the boil. While great for OG, refractometers need a correction calculator when alcohol is present. Use our Refractometer Calculator for accurate final gravity readings.

Need help boosting the strength of your homebrew? Watch our video: Boosting Gravity: How to Increase the ABV of Homebrew (AND Maintain Balance).

Frequently Asked Question

Q: What’s the difference between a hydrometer and a refractometer?
A: A hydrometer floats in liquid and measures gravity by density. A refractometer uses light refraction and only needs a drop of liquid. Both are valuable gravity measurement tools, but serve different stages of the brewing process.