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Alcohol Dilution — Target ABV Calculator

Dilute spirits to a target proof/ABV. Uses C₁V₁ = C₂V₂. Input: current ABV%, target ABV%, volume. Output: water to add.

1031ml
Water 95%→40% (750ml)
80 proof
= 40% ABV
29.57
ml per fl oz
C₁V₁=C₂V₂
Dilution law

Calculate Water to Add

Why This Recipe Matters

Why: Diluting high-proof spirits to target ABV for cocktails, tinctures, etc.

How: C₁V₁ = C₂V₂. Water to add = V × (C₁ − C₂) / C₂.

  • ●Add water to alcohol
  • ●Proof = 2 × ABV
  • ●Distilled water for tinctures
Sources:TTB
80 proof: 40% ABV
95%: Everclear / grain
Add water: Never alcohol to water

📋 Quick Examples — Click to Load

Proof ÷ 2 = ABV
alcohol-dilute.outCALCULATED
$ alcohol-dilute --from 95% --to 40%
─────────────────────────────────────
Water to add: 1031 ml (34.9 oz)
Final volume: 1781 ml (60.2 oz)
// Add water to alcohol slowly; stir to mix

📊 Volume Breakdown

📊 Composition

📊 Water for 95% Target

📊 ABV Comparison

For educational and informational purposes only. Verify with a qualified professional.

Alcohol dilution uses C₁V₁ = C₂V₂. Water to add = V × (C₁ − C₂) / C₂. This preserves pure alcohol. 80 proof = 40% ABV. Always add water to alcohol, not the reverse.

1031ml
Water for 95%→40% (750ml)
80 proof
= 40% ABV
29.57
ml per fl oz
C₁V₁=C₂V₂
Dilution law

Sources: TTB, C₁V₁=C₂V₂ dilution formula.

Key Takeaways

  • • Water to add = Volume × (Current ABV − Target ABV) ÷ Target ABV
  • • Proof = 2 × ABV (e.g., 80 proof = 40% ABV)
  • • Always add water to alcohol, not the reverse
  • • Use distilled or filtered water for tinctures

Did You Know?

🔢 C₁V₁ = C₂V₂ — classic dilution formula
📊 80 proof = 40% ABV
💡 95% = Everclear / grain alcohol
🌍 Add water to alcohol, never reverse
📈 Distilled water best for tinctures
🎯 750ml = standard bottle size

How Does Alcohol Dilution Work?

Formula

C₁V₁ = C₂V₂. Water to add = V × (C₁ − C₂) / C₂. Preserves pure alcohol.

Proof vs ABV

Proof = 2 × ABV. 100 proof = 50% ABV.

Safety

Add water to alcohol slowly; stir.

Expert Tips

Add water slowly; pour into alcohol gradually; stir to mix
Proof ÷ 2 = ABV (100 proof = 50%)
Use distilled water for tinctures and infusions
Volume changes slightly with temp; formula accurate for home use

Comparison Table

ScenarioCurrentTargetWater (750ml)
Everclear → Vodka95%40%~1031 ml
100 proof → 80 proof50%40%~188 ml
Grain → Tincture95%25%~2100 ml

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I dilute 95% alcohol to 40%?

For 750ml of 95% ABV: add 750 × (95−40)/40 ≈ 1031ml water. Result: ~1781ml at 40% ABV. Always add water to alcohol slowly; stir to mix.

What is the dilution formula?

C₁V₁ = C₂V₂. So V_water = V₁ × (C₁ − C₂) / C₂. This preserves the amount of pure alcohol.

Can I use other liquids besides water?

Yes. Juice, simple syrup, or other mixers dilute alcohol. Account for their volume and any sugar content in your calculations.

Does temperature affect the calculation?

Volume can change slightly with temperature, but for home use the formula is accurate. For lab work, use temperature-corrected volumes.

What is proof vs ABV?

Proof = 2 × ABV. 80 proof = 40% ABV. 100 proof = 50% ABV.

Why add water to alcohol, not the reverse?

Adding water to alcohol avoids splashing and heat. Adding alcohol to water can cause violent mixing and splatter.

Key Statistics

1031ml
Water 95%→40% (750ml)
80 proof
= 40% ABV
29.57
ml per fl oz
C₁V₁=C₂V₂
Dilution law

Official Data Sources

TTB ↗
Alcohol regulations
NIST ↗
Measurement standards

⚠️ Disclaimer: For home and culinary use. Do not consume excessive alcohol. Follow local laws. Not for lab or medical use.

Sources

TTB

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