Malt Conversions

In general (round numbers), 1 pound grain = .75 pound LME = .60 pound DME

Note that this is base grain as in two row, specialty grains usually have less yield and are used in small amounts compared to the base. The darker the malt the less the yield. No conversion for specialty grains is specified here.


LME to DME, multiply by .86

DME to LME, multiply by 1.17

Most of us who are concerned with malt conversions are extract brewers, so here's a couple of examples:

Recipe calls for 18 pounds of LME:

(18 lb. LME) x (.86) = 15.5lb DME

Recipe calls for 14 pounds of DME:

(14 lb. DME) x (1.17) = 16.4lb LME (round to 16.5)


* LME = Liquid Malt Extract

* DME = Dry Malt Extract

Prepared by Rick Reineman based on a variety of published information.