The Tosna calculator is a crucial tool for homebrewers, specifically those who are venturing into mead-making. The term ‘Tosna’ stands for Target Original Specific Gravity No Acid, and it represents a technique that allows brewers to achieve their desired mead characteristics by adjusting the honey and water proportions.
The Formula of Tosna Calculator
The Tosna formula is the backbone of this technique:
W = (H * (SG target – 1)) / (SG honey – 1)
Here’s the same formula broken down with explanations:
- W: This represents the amount of water you need to add to your mead.
- H: It signifies the amount of honey you have.
- SG target: This is the specific gravity you aim to achieve in your mead.
- SG honey: The specific gravity of the honey you are using.
Calculator for Easy Computation
| Honey Type | Specific Gravity (SG) |
|---|---|
| Wildflower Honey | 1.425 |
| Clover Honey | 1.435 |
| Orange Blossom Honey | 1.430 |
| Acacia Honey | 1.445 |
| Manuka Honey | 1.435 |
| Buckwheat Honey | 1.440 |
| Eucalyptus Honey | 1.435 |
Example of Tosna Calculator
Let’s put the Tosna calculator into action with a practical example:
- You have 500 grams of clover honey (H).
- Your target specific gravity (SG target) is 1.100.
- According to the table, clover honey has a specific gravity (SG honey) of 1.435.
Using the Tosna formula:
W = (500 * (1.100 – 1)) / (1.435 – 1) W = (500 * 0.100) / 0.435 W ≈ 115.94 grams of water
You would need to add approximately 115.94 grams of water to achieve the desired specific gravity.
Most Common FAQs
The Tosna calculator allows homebrewers to adjust the water and honey proportions in their mead to achieve the desired specific gravity and sweetness.
While you can use the same honey type for different mead recipes, the specific gravity of the honey affects the mead’s characteristics. Choosing the right honey is essential for achieving your desired flavor profile.
To make your mead sweeter, increase the amount of honey (H) in the formula while keeping the target specific gravity (SG target) constant.