IBU
Term from the Brauwerkstatt brewing glossary, category “Measurements and calculations”.
Explanation
Measure of bitterness (International Bitterness Units). The site uses the Tinseth formula, including the whirlpool.
Work it out yourself
Final beer calculator – Work out the alcohol content, attenuation, colour and bitterness of your beer – before brewing as a plan, and afterwards with your measured values.
Test your knowledge
What does the abbreviation IBU stand for?
- Alcohol content
- Beer colour
- Bitterness units
Show answer
Correct: Bitterness units. IBU means “International Bitterness Units”. 1 IBU equals about 1 mg of iso-alpha acids from hops per litre of beer.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my IBU differ from other software?
Each program uses slightly different assumptions, especially for the whirlpool and pellets. Differences of 2–3 IBU are normal and not noticeable.
My hops have a different alpha acid than the recipe. What now?
Bitterness rises directly with alpha acid. Enter your value in the final-beer calculator and adjust the amount until the target IBU matches again.
Related terms
All terms in “Measurements and calculations” · Brewing glossary