Brew Lab · Calculators I + II
Bicarbonate / Alkalinity Converter
Convert bicarbonate mg/L to alkalinity as CaCO3 mg/L and back using the equivalent-weight relationship.
Boundary: No acid, base, or mineral treatment dose is prescribed.
Static result contract
Worked example
A production ICU form can progressively enhance this calculator later. The method and representative result remain understandable with no JavaScript.
- Bicarbonate
- 122 mg/L
- Alkalinity as CaCO₃
- 100 mg/L
- Boundary
- Conversion ≠ mash-pH prediction
Method
Formula is part of the interface
BEU does not hide the calculation behind a single result number.
| Method | Formula | Interpretation boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Bicarbonate ↔ alkalinity as CaCO3 | alkalinity_as_CaCO3 = HCO3 × 50 / 61 | Unit-expression conversion; not a mash-pH prediction. |
Input contract
Units and guards
Input guards keep this foundation implementation bounded. They are not style definitions, legal thresholds, or equipment ratings.
| Input | Accepted units / range | Boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration | unitless · 0 to 2000 | mg/L in the selected representation. |
Limits & safety
What the result does not prove
Limitations
- Does not predict mash pH or acid/base additions.
- A water report's stated analytical basis must be confirmed before converting.
Safety / responsible-use notes
- No acid, base, or mineral treatment dose is prescribed.
Methodology sources
Follow the method back to its references
External formulas and technical claims are sourced separately from Beer Universe's own algebra, unit handling, and interface policy.
- Brewer's Friend Water Chemistry reference
industry technical · brewing water ion reporting · bicarbonate and alkalinity conversion · water-profile comparison - BEU018 Brew Lab Calculators II methodology contract
beu original · BEU calculator guards · BEU interpretation boundaries · BEU result-route policy