Calculate honey for perfect mead
Higher OG = more honey = stronger mead
Honey Needed
13.89
lbs
Water
3.70 gal
Est. ABV
13.1%
(if fermented dry)
| Style | OG | lbs/gal | Est ABV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydromel | 1.050 | 1.4 | 6.5% |
| Standard | 1.090 | 2.5 | 12% |
| Sack Mead | 1.120 | 3.3 | 16% |
| Great Mead | 1.150 | 4.2 | 20% |
Use Quality Honey
Raw, unprocessed honey produces the best flavors. Avoid ultra-pasteurized honey.
Add Nutrients
Honey lacks nutrients yeast needs. Use a staggered nutrient addition schedule for healthy fermentation.
Be Patient
Mead improves dramatically with age. Traditional meads are best after 1-2 years of aging.
Inputs
Result
Target gravity points = (1.100 - 1) x 1000 = 100. Honey = (100 x 5) / 36 = 13.89 lbs. Water = 5 - (13.89 x 0.09375) = 3.70 gal. ABV = 0.100 x 131.25 = 13.1%.
Inputs
Result
Target gravity points = (1.120 - 1) x 1000 = 120. Honey = (120 x 1) / 36 = 3.33 lbs. Water = 1 - (3.33 x 0.09375) = 0.69 gal. ABV = 0.120 x 131.25 = 15.8%.
For a standard mead (OG 1.100), you need about 3-3.5 pounds of honey per gallon. Lighter session meads use 2-2.5 lbs/gallon, while strong sack meads use 4-5 lbs/gallon.
Hydromel is light (under 8% ABV), standard mead is 8-14% ABV, sack mead is sweet and strong (14-18% ABV), and great mead is the strongest (18%+ ABV).
Primary fermentation takes 2-4 weeks. Secondary fermentation and aging can take 2-6 months for light meads, and 1-2 years for strong traditional meads.
Raw, unprocessed honey produces the best flavors. Clover and wildflower are popular for traditional mead. Specialty honeys (orange blossom, buckwheat) create unique flavor profiles.
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Last Updated: Feb 12, 2026
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