Mead Honey Calculator
Work out how much honey a mead batch needs to hit a target starting gravity, plus the estimated maximum alcohol.
How it works
Points needed = (OG − 1) × 1000 · Honey (lb) = points × volume (gal) ÷ PPG · Max ABV ≈ (OG − 1) × 131.25
Honey adds fermentable sugar measured in "points per pound per gallon" (PPG) — roughly 35 for typical honey. To hit a target gravity you need enough honey to supply the gravity points across your whole batch volume, so the honey weight scales with both the target and the number of gallons. Because most meads ferment nearly dry, the maximum ABV is estimated as if the gravity fell all the way to 1.000.
Worked example
For a 5-gallon batch targeting 1.100: that is 100 gravity points, so honey = 100 × 5 ÷ 35 = 14.3 lb (about 6.5 kg). Fermented dry, that could reach roughly (1.100 − 1) × 131.25 = 13.1% ABV.
Frequently asked questions
How many points does honey add?
Honey is usually taken as about 35 PPG — one pound in one gallon raises gravity by roughly 0.035. It varies a little by moisture and floral source, so confirm with a hydrometer reading of the mixed must.
Will my mead really hit that ABV?
Only if the yeast ferments it dry and can tolerate the alcohol. Yeast that stalls or is stopped early leaves residual honey and a sweeter, lower-alcohol mead — the figure shown is the maximum, not a guarantee.
Does the water volume matter?
Yes — PPG is defined per gallon, so a larger batch of the same gravity needs proportionally more honey. Enter the final must volume, honey plus water, not just the water.
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Educational estimate for home fermentation. Please drink responsibly.