efficiency what is it and how to figure it out

[srharrison]

new to all grain and I am completely confused on this subject. I have brewed 2 batches hit all my #.

[BDawg]

Welcome
Congrats on your two successful batches. Most folks (myself included) hit low on their first few batches.

Here's how I calculate efficiency. Some folks may disagree with this method, but its easy for me and its close enough that I can preplan my recipes and be confident that I'll hit my gravity because over time I have honed my process so that it comes out the same every time.

The basic formula is:
(How much sugar you actually got out) divided by (how much total sugar there should be under a perfect mash in laboratory conditions)

You measure how much you got by measuring the gravity and the volume, then multiplying them together.
So, if your OG is 1.050 and you got 5.5 gallons, you multiply the gallons (5.5) times the number of gravity points (1.050 => 50 points) which is 5.5 * 50 = 275 points.

Then, I compare it with the sum of the fine grind specs of the grains in my grain bill:

9 lbs pale malt => 1.036 pppg (points per pound per gallon)
1 lb crystal 40 => 1.032 pppg

9x36 + 1 x 32 = 356

Then I divide them to get the number:
275/356 = .7724 or 77%


HTH=

[Kbar]

Nice job Bdawg.

I recommend getting Beersmith. Wonderful program.

[srharrison]

thanks for the answer and I yes I bought beer smith 3 weeks ago still trying to figure it out.