Beer Color Converter

Convert beer color between SRM, EBC and degrees Lovibond.

Value

Unit

European Brewery Convention: 19.7EBC
Degrees Lovibond: 7.9°L

Lovibond is mostly used for malt color; the conversion is an approximation.

Results are estimates provided "as is," for informational and planning purposes only, without warranties of any kind. Check them before you rely on them: you are responsible for decisions about your beer and equipment, including pressure and carbonation levels, the pressure ratings of your kegs and fittings, and any alcohol content you declare. Use of this calculator is subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Plan recipes and track every batch with these calculators built in. Foambyte is free to start.

Start Free

How beer color units relate

SRM and EBC are both based on the absorbance of light at 430 nm, so converting between them is a single factor:

\text{EBC} = \text{SRM} \times 1.97

Degrees Lovibond relate to SRM through an approximate linear formula, so conversions to and from Lovibond are estimates. For example, 10 SRM is 19.7 EBC and about 7.9 °Lovibond.

Inside Foambyte, beer color is estimated from the malts in your recipe and shown in the unit you prefer.

Reference table

Beer color in SRM (rows) converted to EBC and degrees Lovibond
SRM	EBC	°Lovibond
2	3.9	2.0
3	5.9	2.8
4	7.9	3.5
6	11.8	5.0
8	15.8	6.5
10	19.7	7.9
13	25.6	10.1
17	33.5	13.1
20	39.4	15.3
24	47.3	18.3
29	57.1	21.9
35	69.0	26.4
40	78.8	30.1

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between SRM and EBC?

Both measure how much light beer absorbs at a wavelength of 430 nm, but they use different scales. SRM is common in the United States and EBC in Europe; one SRM equals about 1.97 EBC.

What is degrees Lovibond?

Lovibond is an older color scale based on comparing samples with colored glass. Today it is mostly used to describe the color of malt, while beer color is usually given in SRM or EBC.

What SRM is a pale lager or a stout?

Pale lagers are typically in the 2 to 4 SRM range, amber beers around 10 to 17, and stouts usually 25 or more. Style guidelines give the exact ranges for each style.