What is the standard homebrew label size?

For a 500ml bottle, a typical front label is about 90mm wide x 90mm tall. Wraparound labels are about 190mm wide x 90mm tall. For 330ml bottles, reduce by about 10-15% in each dimension. These are guidelines — adjust to your design.

What paper should I use for homebrew labels?

For easy removal, use plain paper with milk (casein) glue — it washes off in warm water. Waterproof labels use vinyl or polyester with permanent adhesive. Avery and Online Labels sell blank label sheets for inkjet and laser printers in various sizes.

How do I apply labels evenly?

For straight labels, use a ruler or a labelling jig. Apply from one edge and smooth across to avoid bubbles. Some homebrewers use a simple homemade label applicator made from a flat surface and a guide rail. Ensure bottles are dry and clean.

Should I include anything specific on my labels?

At minimum, include the beer name, style, ABV percentage, and brew date. Many homebrewers also add batch number, IBU, ingredients, and tasting notes. In the UK, if you are giving beer away, ABV is the most important legal requirement.

What is the best way to attach homebrew labels?

Milk (casein) glue is traditional and washes off easily. Print on regular paper, brush the back with milk, and apply. Self-adhesive labels work well but can be hard to remove. For a professional look, use waterproof label paper from a homebrew supplier.

BrewCalcs

Label Size Calculator

Calculate label dimensions for different bottle and container sizes.

Bottle Type

Label Coverage

% of circumference the label wraps

How We Calculate This

Label Dimension Calculation

The bottle circumference is calculated as C = pi x diameter. Label width is then the desired percentage of this circumference. A 60% coverage gives a generous front label; 90-100% creates a wraparound label.

Label Height

Label height is calculated at approximately 65% of the bottle body height (the straight-sided section between shoulder and base). This provides good coverage while fitting within the flat portion of the bottle.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: 2025-02-20

All calculations are estimates. Always verify values and adjust based on your equipment and ingredients.