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Calcimator

Sparge Water Calculator

Calculate the volume and temperature of sparge water needed based on grain weight, mash water volume, grain absorption, and target pre-boil volume.

Inputs

lbs
gallons
qt/lb
gallons

Results

Sparge Water Volume

3.56 gallons

≈ 4 milk jugs

Sparge Temperature

168 °F

First Runnings2.94 gallons
Grain Absorption0.31 gallons
Total Water Needed6.81 gallons
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter grain weight in lbs, mash water volume in gallons, and grain absorption rate.
  2. Set your target pre-boil volume in gallons.
  3. Review Sparge Water Volume, Sparge Temperature, First Runnings, and Total Water Needed.
  4. Adjust mash water volume or target pre-boil volume to fine-tune your water volumes.

How the result changes with Target Pre-Boil Volume

Target Pre-Boil VolumeSparge Water VolumeSparge Temperature
5.72.76 gallons168 °F
129.06 gallons168 °F
2118.06 gallons168 °F
2724.06 gallons168 °F

What each input means

Grain Weight
Total weight of the grain bill in pounds.
Mash Water Volume
Volume of water used for the mash in gallons. Typically grain weight * water-to-grist ratio / 4.
Grain Absorption Rate
Water absorbed by grain in quarts per pound. Standard is 0.125 qt/lb (0.5 L/kg). BIAB is slightly less.
Target Pre-Boil Volume
Desired volume in the kettle before boiling begins. Typically batch size + boil-off (about 1-1.5 gallons per hour).

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Grain Weight = 10, Mash Water Volume = 3.25, Grain Absorption Rate = 0.125, Target Pre-Boil Volume = 6.5 = 4 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Sparge Water Volume
    Sparge Water Volume
    3.56 = 3.56
  3. Calculate Sparge Temperature
    Sparge Temperature
    168 = 168
  4. Calculate First Runnings
    First Runnings
    2.94 = 2.94
  5. Calculate Grain Absorption
    Grain Absorption
    0.31 = 0.31

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