Triple Scale Hydrometer for Beer & Wine

The Beer and Wine Triple Scale Hydrometer is a must-have tool for any homebrewer or winemaker. This economical alcohol hydrometer provides accurate readings in three essential scales—Specific Gravity (SG), Brix/Balling, and Potential Alcohol (PA). Use it to monitor fermentation progress, estimate alcohol content (ABV), and troubleshoot stalled fermentations with confidence.

This triple scale hydrometer is ideal for measuring: 

• Original Gravity (OG) before fermentation
• Final Gravity (FG) after fermentation
• Potential Alcohol (PA) based on sugar content
• Brix levels for fruit wines, meads, and ciders

Looking for a shatterproof hydrometer? Try the Herculometer Triple Scale Hydrometer.

Need a complete testing setup? Consider upgrading with our Mad Brewer Upgrade Kit or the Brewery Essentials Gravity Testing Kit.

A hydrometer is one of the most important tools in homebrewing. It helps you adjust recipes, monitor fermentation, and assess yeast health through precise gravity readings. This glass hydrometer features a long, narrow stem and a weighted bulb to float upright in liquid, allowing you to visually measure your brew’s progress.

How to Use a Hydrometer

Float the hydrometer in a test jar filled with wort or wine. A reading in plain water will show 1.000 SG. Higher sugar content will float the hydrometer higher. For example, 2 lbs of sugar in a gallon of water results in a reading around 1.068. Always take readings at 60°F for the most accurate results.

Understanding the Scales

Specific Gravity (SG): Measures density compared to water. Use SG to calculate ABV and monitor fermentation progress.

Brix/Balling: Common in winemaking, this scale measures sugar concentration.

Potential Alcohol (PA): Estimates the maximum ABV if all sugars fully ferment. For example, a 9% PA means full fermentation would yield 9% ABV.

Why Choose This Hydrometer?

• Affordable and accurate
• Reads SG, Brix, and PA in one tool
• Perfect for beer, wine, cider, and mead
• Easy to use and essential for quality control

How to Calculate ABV

To estimate the alcohol by volume (ABV) of your beer or wine, use the following formula:
ABV (%) = (Original Gravity - Final Gravity) × 131.25

Example: If your OG is 1.068 and your FG is 1.012, then:
(1.068 - 1.012) × 131.25 = 7.35% ABV

This calculation assumes full fermentation of sugars and is a standard method used by homebrewers and winemakers.