Quality
Brix Calculator — Sugar Concentration in Dairy Products
Free online Brix calculator with temperature correction for sweetened condensed milk, flavored milk, ice cream mix, and other dairy products.
Formula
refractometerReading + 0.03 * (temperature - 20)
refractometerReading
Refractometer Reading (°Brix)
temperature
Sample Temperature (°C)
Worked Example
1
Given:
refractometerReading = 45.5
temperature = 30
2
Apply the formula:
refractometerReading + 0.03 * (temperature - 20)
3
Result:45.8 °Brix at 20°C
What is Brix?
Brix (°Bx) is a scale measuring the sugar (dissolved solids) content of a solution. In dairy processing, Brix is used to control:
- Sweetened condensed milk — typically 54–60 °Brix after evaporation
- Flavored milk drinks — sugar addition verification
- Ice cream mix — total solids monitoring
- Dairy-based beverages — Brix as a product quality parameter
Why Temperature Correction?
Refractometers are calibrated at 20°C. When samples are at different temperatures, a correction factor must be applied. For every 1°C above 20°C, add 0.03 °Brix; for every 1°C below 20°C, subtract 0.03 °Brix.
Corrected Brix = Measured Brix + 0.03 × (Sample Temperature − 20°C)
Typical Brix Values in Dairy Products
| Product | Target Brix (°Bx) |
|---|---|
| Sweetened Condensed Milk | 54 – 60 |
| UHT Flavored Milk | 14 – 16 |
| Yogurt Drink | 12 – 14 |
| Ice Cream Mix | 30 – 35 |
| Paneer Whey | 5 – 7 |
| Standardized Milk | 8 – 11 |
How to Use a Refractometer
- Calibrate with distilled water (should read 0.0 °Brix)
- Clean and dry the prism
- Place 2–3 drops of sample on the prism
- Close the cover and read the scale
- Record sample temperature
- Apply temperature correction using this calculator