Beer Figures Explained

Beer and figures might not sound like the most thrilling pairing, but understanding a few key beer measurements can completely change the way you choose and enjoy beer. From bitterness and alcohol content to colour and strength, these figures help you “read” a beer long before the bottle or keg is opened.

In this guide, we explain the most important beer figures (IBU, ABV, EBC and gravity) and how they shape flavour, balance and drinkability.

What is IBU in beer?

IBU stands for International Bitterness Units and measures the bitterness contributed by hops. Specifically, it reflects the amount of hop-derived alpha acids present in the beer.

• 1 IBU = 1 milligram of iso-alpha acid per litre of beer

It’s important to note that IBUs measure potential bitterness. Not how bitter a beer will necessarily taste.

Why IBU doesn’t tell the whole story

Two beers with the same IBU can taste very different. Perceived bitterness is influenced by:

• Carbonation levels

• Alcohol content

• Residual sweetness from malt

• Beer temperature

• Use of herbs or roasted malts

That’s why a 40 IBU IPA may taste less bitter than a 25 IBU dry pilsner.

You may even see beers claiming 100+ IBUs. While technically possible, the human palate struggles to perceive bitterness much beyond 80–100 IBUs.

What is ABV in beer?

ABV stands for Alcohol By Volume and indicates the percentage of alcohol in a beer.

Most beers fall between 4% and 10% ABV, though styles like session ales sit lower and strong Belgian beer styles or barley wines can climb well above 10%.

ABV explained simply

A 500ml beer at 5% ABV contains:

• 25ml of pure alcohol

ABV is sometimes confused with alcohol by weight, which is slightly lower because alcohol is lighter than water. In Europe and the UK, ABV (by volume) is the standard.

Higher ABV often means:

• More body and warmth

• Greater flavour intensity

• Slower, more contemplative drinking

What is EBC (beer colour explained)?

EBC stands for European Brewery Convention and measures the colour of beer. It’s calculated using light absorption and expressed as a numerical scale.

EBC colour guide

• 6 - 9 EBC: Pale to light blonde
• 9 - 12 EBC: Blonde
• 12 - 20 EBC: Gold
• 20 - 30 EBC: Amber
• 30 - 45 EBC: Copper
• 45 - 75 EBC: Dark copper / brown
• 75 - 120 EBC: Very dark brown
• 120+ EBC: Black

EBC gives a good visual indication of malt usage, but colour alone doesn’t dictate flavour. A pale ale beer can still be bitter and intense, while a dark beer may be smooth and sweet.

In the US, a similar system called SRM (Standard Reference Method) is commonly used.

What is beer gravity?

Gravity refers to the concentration of dissolved sugars and solids in the wort before fermentation. These sugars are later converted into alcohol and carbonation by yeast.

Gravity is measured using the Plato scale.

Why beer gravity matters

• Higher gravity = more fermentable sugars

• More sugars = higher potential alcohol

• Higher gravity often results in fuller-bodied beers

In the Netherlands, gravity also determines beer tax categories, which is why Dutch beer labels often include a “Cat.” designation.

For example:

• Category 1: 11–15.5° Plato (most pilsners)

• Category S: Above 15.5° Plato (strong and speciality beers)

Using beer figures to choose your beer

By looking at IBU, ABV, EBC and gravity, you can already form a solid expectation of a beer’s:

• Bitterness

• Strength

• Body

• Colour

• Drinkability

These figures won’t tell you everything (yeast character, hop variety and brewing technique still matter) but they provide a powerful framework for understanding beer styles and making better choices.

Of course, the final verdict always comes with the first sip.