The LME DME Extract Conversion Calculator Tool

The LME DME Extract Conversion Calculator

Precision is the hallmark of a great brewer. LME and DME are not a 1:1 swap by weight because DME is more concentrated (less water), so swapping without converting will shift your original gravity and change the beer. 

Use this tool any time you switch extract types due to stock, brand changes, or recipe rewrites. 

Enter the amount and select LME or DME, it will calculate the equivalent so your target gravity stays the same.

Brewery Units

Calculated Batch Size

LME to DME Transition

Source LME Amount

Required DME

Specific Gravity

1.000

DME to LME Transition

Source DME Amount

Required LME

Specific Gravity

1.000

Deep Dive: The Master Brewer's Guide to Extract

A master brewer understands that ingredients are fluid but the target is fixed. Whether you are scaling a recipe or substituting ingredients based on inventory, the goal is to maintain the specific gravity. 

This ensures your yeast has exactly the right amount of sugar to produce the alcohol and mouthfeel your style profile demands. 

Transitioning between liquid and dry formats requires more than just a simple guess because the physical composition of these products varies significantly.

The Science of Extract Density

Liquid Malt Extract (LME) is a syrup produced by evaporating a portion of the water from wort. It typically contains about 20 percent water by weight. 

In contrast, Dry Malt Extract (DME) undergoes an additional spray drying process that removes almost all moisture. This makes DME much more concentrated. If you swap them pound for pound, your beer will either be significantly thinner or much higher in alcohol than you planned. 

Our calculator uses the Points Per Pound Per Gallon (PPG) method to ensure your Original Gravity remains constant regardless of the extract format you choose.

• Standard LME Potentials: Most liquid extracts sit around 36 to 37 PPG. This accounts for the syrup weight which includes residual water.
• Standard DME Potentials: High quality dry extracts usually hit 44 to 45 PPG. They provide more "bang for your buck" per unit of weight.
• Gravity Balance: The calculator identifies the total gravity points of your source ingredient and then determines the exact weight of the substitute needed to reach that same point total.

Advanced Insight: Many brewers find that DME is more consistent over long periods of time. Because LME is a liquid, it is subject to faster oxidation and the Maillard reaction. This can lead to a "twang" or a soapy flavor if the extract is not fresh.

If your LME is more than six months old, you may want to consider using this tool to switch to a fresh batch of DME for better flavor clarity.

Best Practices for the 'Hot Side'

Success in the brewery is found in the details of the process. When you have calculated your new weights, follow these professional steps during the boil to ensure the best possible results for your finished pint.

• The Weigh-In: Always use a calibrated digital scale. Volume measurements like "cups" or "scoops" are notoriously inaccurate for brewing due to the varying density of powders and the surface tension of syrups.
• Kettle Management: When adding any extract, you should temporarily turn off your heat source. This prevents the sugars from sinking to the bottom and scorching on the metal surface, which creates burnt flavors that cannot be removed.
• DME Solubility: Dry extract is extremely hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air instantly. Add it slowly while whisking to avoid creating "dough balls" that refuse to dissolve in the boiling wort.
• Late Addition Strategy: Consider adding half of your extract at the start of the boil and the other half with 15 minutes remaining. This reduces the caramelization of the wort and helps produce a lighter colored beer.
• Sanitation of LME Cans: If using liquid extract, ensure you sanitize the top of the can or pouch before opening. Even though it is going into a boiling kettle, we maintain professional standards at every touchpoint.

Recipe Adjustments and Efficiency

It is important to remember that changing your extract source can subtly affect other parts of your brew day. If you are substituting a significant amount of grain for extract, or vice versa, keep an eye on your boil volume. 

Extract takes up less space in the kettle than whole grain, so you might need to adjust your water calculations to hit your final fermenter volume. Precision in these conversions allows you to brew with confidence, knowing that your final product will match the vision you had when you first designed the recipe.

Mastering the art of brewing involves a constant balance of chemistry and craft. By using professional tools to manage your fermentables, you ensure that every batch is a step toward perfection.