What formula does this calculator use?

It uses John Palmer's formula from "How to Brew": Strike Temp = (0.2 / r) × (T_mash − T_grain) + T_mash, where r is the water-to-grain ratio in quarts per pound. This is the industry-standard formula for single-infusion mashes.

Why does my mash always end up too cool even with this calculator?

Heat loss to a cold or uninsulated mash tun is not accounted for in the formula. Pre-heat your mash tun with hot water, dump it before doughing in, and the calculation will be much closer to reality.

What is a typical water-to-grain ratio?

Most all-grain recipes use 1.25–1.5 quarts of water per pound of grain (2.6–3.1 L/kg). Higher ratios produce a thinner mash with slightly more fermentable wort; lower ratios produce a fuller body.

What mash temperature should I target?

A range of 148–158 °F (64–70 °C) covers most beer styles. Lower temps (148–152 °F) favor fermentability and a drier beer; higher temps (154–158 °F) favor body and mouthfeel. 152 °F (67 °C) is a safe all-purpose starting point.

Does this work for metric units?

Yes. Switch the unit toggle to metric and enter grain weight in kilograms, water volume in liters, and temperatures in Celsius. The calculator adapts the formula constants automatically.

Strike Water Temperature Calculator

Name: Strike Water Temperature Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter your grain and water details to calculate the exact strike water temperature for a single-infusion mash.

Mash Parameters

Fill in your grain bill and water details below.

Units:

Grain weight (lb)

Grain temperature (°F)

Strike water volume (qt)

Target mash temperature (°F)

Strike Water Temperature

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Typical Mash Temperature Reference

Dry / Highly Fermentable 148–150 °F

Medium Body (balanced) 150–154 °F

Full Body / Sweet 154–158 °F

Mash-out (stop conversion) 168–170 °F

Summary

Enter your grain and water details to calculate the exact strike water temperature for a single-infusion mash.

How it works

Enter the total weight of your grain bill in pounds or kilograms.
Enter the current temperature of your grain (room temp or cold storage).
Enter the total volume of strike water you plan to use.
Set your target mash temperature (typically 148–156 °F / 64–69 °C).
The calculator applies Palmer's formula: Strike Temp = (0.2 / r) × (T_mash − T_grain) + T_mash, where r is the water-to-grain ratio in quarts per pound.
Read the resulting strike water temperature and heat your water to that point before doughing in.

Use cases

All-grain homebrewers planning a single-infusion mash.
Brewers dialing in a new mash tun with unknown heat loss.
Adjusting strike temperature when grain is cold from storage.
Quickly recalculating when grain bill or water volume changes.
Teaching new brewers about mash temperature physics.
Cross-checking a brewing software result by hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-01 · Reviewed by Nham Vu