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Overview

This page provides short instructions on how to calculate density and a spreadsheet to be used as a point of reference.

To download the legacy excel file of common inventory item densities, please select below.

• Density File – 2018
• Density File – 2015

The shortlist of steps below will guide users to calculate the density (a video showing this process is below for reference as well).

1. Put a graduated cylinder (measuring cup) on your bottle scale.
2. Hit Tare so that the weight reads 0 grams.
3. Pour 10 ounces of the liquor into the cylinder.
4. Read the weight on the scale.
5. Divide that weight by 10 – that is the density.

Hydrometers

Introduction

A hydrometer is an instrument for measuring the density of liquids. This guide will provide steps on how best to use this tool for measuring the alcohol content of the desired product.

Room Temperature and Gravity Factors

Some have found when measuring alcohol content and using a hydrometer to do so, have found that products measured at room temperature and then the same product measured in cold temperatures have different readings. This section of the guide explains how other franchisees handle this.

A Hydrometer is usually calibrated for liquid at 60 F or 15.6 C (need to check your brand to make sure it is not 68 F). When we measure the proof, we have a book in which we calculate the temperature in addition the reading on the hydrometer. This may be of help: http://www.brewheads.com/gravcorrect.php

Temperature definitely affects the Hydrometer readings.  Think of it this way, the colder the fluid, the closer the water in it is to solidification.  Therefore the more resistance it provides to the hydrometer, keeping it higher in the material being measured.  That can yield a different reading. There are temperature correction charts available on the internet. Also, a hydrometer only works for distilled spirits.

Measuring Density

Part of our service should include random checks for alcohol content. Many bar owners are concerned that their bartenders could water down the alcohol to hide theft. A hydrometer is a device that will check the % of alcohol by volume. This only works, of course, on spirits (ie: rye, gin, vodka, long island etc) not on liqueurs.
Here are the instructions on how to use the hydrometer:

1. You must have enough liquor in the bottle (or tall, thin glass) for the hydrometer to float.
2. Place the hydrometer in the liquor- red ‘bulb’ side down.
3. At eye level, read the figures on the stem of the hydrometer under ‘trailles’ where the surface of the liquor cuts across the stem of the hydrometer (where it floats).
4. This number is the % of alcohol by volume.
5. Compare this figure to the amount printed on every bottle of liquor. Most liquor will be around 40% volume.

Density Chart

Pernod Ricard Density Chart

Download the Pernod Ricard Density chart by clicking HERE.