CanadaTier 2
Dilution and chaptalization calculator
Lower ABV by adding water, or raise must gravity by adding sugar — one page, two directions.
Free·No sign-up·Last checked 2026-08-27
Mode
Water to add
L
Formula
Water to add = volume × (current ABV ÷ target ABV − 1)
Worked example. 19 L at 14% diluted to 12% → 19 × (14 ÷ 12 − 1) = 3.17 L of water.
Method
Chaptalization sugar amount, converted via the verified imperial formula
The sugar-to-gravity relationship (0.009 SG points per pound per gallon) is calibrated in US units. This calculator converts your litres to gallons internally, applies that verified relationship, then converts the answer back to kilograms and grams — safer than guessing a new metric constant.
Questions
Yes — water dilutes everything, not just alcohol, so body, flavor intensity and any residual sweetness drop along with ABV. Small adjustments are least noticeable.
Rules vary by province and by wine region — some producers face limits on how much sugar can be added. This calculator does the math only; check provincial and VQA-style regulations before adding sugar to a wine must.