Bitterness

IBU Calculator

Estimate bitterness from hop additions using the Tinseth method.

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Estimated IBU23.3

The Formula

Tinseth method: IBU = Σ [ AA% × oz × 7489 × utilization ] / volume, where utilization rises with boil time and falls with wort gravity.

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Beginner Tips

  • •Later hop additions add flavor and aroma but far fewer IBUs.
  • •Higher gravity wort reduces hop utilization, so bittering hops are less efficient.
  • •For low-IBU beers, favor a single restrained bittering charge.

Common Mistakes

  • •Using pellet weight for whole-cone hops without adjusting.
  • •Ignoring that alpha acid degrades in old hops.
  • •Adding all hops at 60 minutes and wondering where the aroma went.