What pitch rate should I use?

Ales: 0.75 million cells/ml/degrees Plato. Lagers: 1.5. Higher pitch rates produce cleaner fermentation.

How many cells in a yeast packet?

Fresh liquid yeast: ~100 billion. Dry yeast (11g): ~200 billion. Cell count decreases with age.

What happens with under-pitching?

Longer lag times, higher esters and fusel alcohols, potential stuck fermentation, and off-flavours.

What happens if I over-pitch?

Moderate over-pitching (up to 2x the recommended rate) is generally fine and can produce cleaner fermentation. Extreme over-pitching can lead to reduced ester production, thinner beer, and potential autolysis off-flavours. For most homebrewers, slight over-pitching is safer than under-pitching.

Do I need a different pitch rate for high-gravity beers?

Yes, high-gravity beers (above 1.070) need more yeast cells. Use the same pitch rate formula but note that more cells are needed due to the higher Plato value. Consider a yeast starter or pitching multiple packets. Proper oxygenation is also critical for high-gravity fermentations.

BrewCalcs

Pitch Rate Calculator

Calculate optimal yeast pitch rate for ales and lagers.

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How We Calculate This

Pitch Rate Formula

Cells = Rate x Volume (ml) x Plato. Standard: Ales 0.75, Lagers 1.5 million cells/ml/degree Plato.

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.