Input
How to use this calculator
Enter a color value and select its source scale: EBC, SRM or Lovibond. Then choose the target scale. Use the converter for recipe communication, ingredient specifications and comparing notes from brewing software that uses different color units.
Color readings from a finished beer can vary with sample depth, glassware and lighting. A conversion keeps units consistent; it does not replace a measured color analysis.
How the calculation works
The implementation uses SRM as the intermediate scale. EBC is converted using the project factor of approximately 1.97, while Lovibond is converted through the implemented approximation of 0.97 relative to SRM. These are practical brewing conversions, not spectrophotometer results.
Example calculation
An input of 10 SRM converts to approximately 19.7 EBC and 10.3 Lovibond with the current public conversion. The displayed precision should not be mistaken for measurement precision.
Understanding the result
Color helps communicate the expected appearance of a beer and can support recipe comparisons. It does not by itself predict roast flavor, haze, clarity or the exact final appearance.
Use the same color scale when comparing ingredient data and recipe targets. Note whether a value is predicted from malt data or measured from finished beer.
Common mistakes
- Confusing EBC with SRM.
- Reporting predicted malt color as a finished-beer measurement.
- Using excessive decimal precision.
- Comparing samples under different lighting conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between EBC and SRM?
They are related color scales used in brewing, with EBC values commonly about 1.97 times SRM values in this converter.
Is Lovibond the same as SRM?
They are related but not identical; this tool applies its documented approximation.
Does color predict flavor?
Only broadly. Malt type, roast level and process matter more than the color number alone.
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