Milk

SNF Calculator

Calculate the Solids-Not-Fat (SNF) percentage in milk using CLR and fat percentage with Richmond's formula.

SNF Calculator

Calculate Solids-Not-Fat (SNF) content from CLR and fat percentage using the standard formula.

Lactometer reading corrected to 27°C
%
Formula
(clr / 4) + (0.21 * fat) + 0.36
clr Corrected Lactometer Reading (CLR)
fat Fat Percentage (%)
Worked Example
1
Given:
clr = 28
fat = 3.5
2
Apply the formula:
(clr / 4) + (0.21 * fat) + 0.36
3
Result:8.095 %

What is SNF (Solids-Not-Fat)?

SNF (Solids-Not-Fat) refers to all the solid components in milk except fat. This includes:

  • Lactose (~4.7%)
  • Proteins (~3.4%)
  • Minerals (~0.7%)
  • Vitamins (~0.1%)

SNF is a critical parameter for milk quality and pricing. Higher SNF indicates richer milk with more nutritional value.

Richmond’s Formula

The most widely used formula for calculating SNF is Richmond’s formula:

SNF (%) = (CLR ÷ 4) + (0.21 × Fat %) + 0.36

Where:

  • CLR = Corrected Lactometer Reading at 27°C
  • Fat % = Fat percentage of milk

Why is SNF Important?

  • Milk pricing in India is based on fat + SNF content
  • FSSAI requires minimum SNF levels in all types of milk
  • Low SNF may indicate adulteration with water
  • SNF helps calculate total solids (TS = Fat + SNF)

Industry Requirements

Milk TypeMinimum SNF (%)
Full Cream Milk9.0
Standardized Milk8.5
Toned Milk8.5
Double Toned9.0

As per FSSAI Food Safety Standards

Frequently Asked Questions

SNF (Solids Not Fat) is the total dry matter in milk minus the fat content. It includes proteins (casein and whey), lactose, minerals, and vitamins. SNF is important because it directly affects:

  • Milk pricing — along with fat, SNF is used for farmer payment in India
  • Product yield — higher SNF gives better yield of dairy products
  • Nutritional value — SNF represents the protein and mineral content
  • FSSAI compliance — minimum SNF standards must be met for each milk grade

As per FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) standards:

  • Standardized Milk: Minimum 8.5% SNF
  • Toned Milk: Minimum 8.5% SNF
  • Double Toned Milk: Minimum 9.0% SNF
  • Full Cream Milk: Minimum 9.0% SNF
The most common formula used in India is based on the corrected lactometer reading (CLR): SNF% = (CLR / 4) + (0.21 × Fat%) + 0.36 This is derived from the IS 1479 standard method. Different regions may use slightly different coefficients based on local milk composition.
Yes, you can estimate SNF using the specific gravity (density) of milk. However, the CLR-based formula is more accurate for Indian conditions. The lactometer reading (LR) must first be corrected for temperature before use in the SNF formula.

Buffalo milk generally has higher total solids than cow milk. Typical values are:

  • Cow milk: SNF 8.5 – 9.0%
  • Buffalo milk: SNF 9.0 – 10.0% Buffalo milk has more protein and casein, which results in higher cheese yield and thicker products.
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