Enter the dilution factor of the sample and the light absorbance at 430 nanometers into the Calculator. The calculator will evaluate the EBC. 

EBC Formula

EBC = 25 * D * A430

Variables:

  • EBC is the EBC ()
  • D is the dilution factor of the sample
  • A430 is the light absorbance at 430 nanometers

To calculate EBC, multiply the dilution factor by 25, then multiply by the light absorbance at a 430 nanometers wavelength.

How to Calculate EBC?

The following steps outline how to calculate the EBC.

  1. First, determine the dilution factor of the sample. 
  2. Next, determine the light absorbance at 430 nanometers. 
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = EBC = 25 * D * A430.
  4. Finally, calculate the EBC.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

dilution factor of the sample = 30

light absorbance at 430 nanometers = 12

FAQ

What is the significance of measuring light absorbance at 430 nanometers?
Measuring light absorbance at 430 nanometers is significant because it is a wavelength often used in colorimetric assays and measurements, such as calculating the European Brewery Convention (EBC) color of beer. This particular wavelength can help in accurately determining the color intensity, which is crucial in quality control and standardization in brewing.

How does the dilution factor affect the EBC calculation?
The dilution factor plays a crucial role in the EBC calculation as it adjusts the concentration of the sample to a measurable range. A higher dilution factor indicates that the sample has been diluted more, which directly decreases the concentration of the sample. Since the EBC is calculated based on the absorbance, which is affected by concentration, the dilution factor ensures that the final EBC value accurately reflects the color intensity of the undiluted sample.

Can the EBC formula be used for substances other than beer?
While the EBC formula is specifically designed for measuring the color of beer according to the European Brewery Convention standards, the principle behind the calculation (based on light absorbance and dilution factor) can be applied to other colored solutions where a standardized color measurement is needed. However, the specific constants and factors may vary depending on the substance being measured and the standard being applied.

Is there a difference between EBC and SRM?
Yes, there is a difference between EBC (European Brewery Convention) and SRM (Standard Reference Method). Both are measures of beer color, but they use different scales and measurement methods. The EBC scale is generally used in Europe, while the SRM is used in the United States. The EBC value is roughly 1.97 times higher than the SRM value for the same beer color, due to differences in the absorbance path length and concentration units used in calculations.