Oisin Foster
When brewing beer, the amount of yeast required for a 5-gallon batch depends on the beer's original gravity (OG) and strength. For a normal gravity beer, 10 grams of dry yeast is typically recommended, while 20 grams may be needed for a beer with an OG above 1.065. For a normal strength beer (4-8% ABV), a single 11-gram packet of dry ale yeast is sufficient. However, some brewers prefer to use two packets of yeast for a 5-gallon batch, especially for lagers, to achieve better taste and smoothness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Yeast type | Dry yeast |
| Yeast amount | 10g - 15g |
| Yeast amount for high gravity | 20g |
| Yeast amount for normal strength beer | 11g |
| Yeast amount for normal gravity | 10g |
| Yeast amount for high gravity beer | 20g |
| Yeast amount for lager | 11g |
| Yeast amount for ale | 11g |
| Yeast amount for lager with lower fermentation temperature | 2 packets |
| Yeast amount for normal pitch | 11g |
What You'll Learn
Use 10g of dry yeast for a normal gravity 5-gallon batch of beer
10g of dry yeast is the minimum amount needed for a normal gravity 5-gallon batch of beer. Breweries use the equivalent of one tube per gallon, but homebrewers can use one packet of dry yeast for a 5-gallon batch of beer.
One packet of dry yeast is approximately 11g, so two packets would be 22g. However, two packets are recommended for lagers due to the lower fermentation temperature.
One packet of dry yeast is enough for a normal strength beer (4-8% ABV). If your beer is above 1.065 OG, you should use at least 20g.
Adding even a few ounces of yeast will be pointless overkill. However, underpitching is more of a danger than overpitching, so it's better to be safe than sorry.
Two packets of dry yeast are recommended for smoother lagers, as it is cheaper to make a starter with one packet and some DME.
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Use 20g of yeast if your beer is above 1.065 OG
If your beer is above 1.065 OG, you should use at least 20g of yeast. Breweries use the equivalent of one tube per gallon, so for a 5-gallon batch, you would use two tubes.
One packet of dry yeast is approximately 11g, so you would need two packets for a 5-gallon batch. However, some sources suggest that using one packet is fine, as 11g is the normal pitch for 5 gallons at typical gravity.
If you are using liquid yeast, you should use one tube below 1.065 and two above.
It's important to note that using too little yeast can be problematic, and underpitching can lead to minor off-flavours. On the other hand, overpitching is less of a danger than underpitching, so it's generally recommended to use the suggested amount of yeast.
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Use 11g of yeast for a normal strength beer (4-8% ABV)
11 grams of dry yeast is sufficient for a normal strength beer (4-8% ABV). This is one packet of dry ale yeast.
Breweries use the equivalent of one tube per gallon. One tube is around 11 grams.
One user states that they put in 11 grams for 5 gallons of kit pilsner and found it to be fine. They personally use one packet for 5-gallon batches of both lagers and ales.
Another user states that they get better-tasting (smoother) lagers when they pitch 2 packages of dry yeast as opposed to one.
One source states that if you are trying to dry out a beer completely, then you should use a very attenuative ale yeast, like the White Labs High Gravity (WLP099).
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Use 2 packets of yeast for smoother lagers
Two packets of yeast are recommended for lager brewing as opposed to one packet because of the lower fermentation temperature. One packet of yeast is approximately 11 grams, so two packets will be 22 grams.
Breweries use the equivalent of one tube per gallon, but homebrewers can use two packets of yeast for a 5-gallon batch of beer. Two packets of yeast will produce a smoother lager as opposed to one packet.
One packet of yeast is approximately 11 grams, so two packets will be 22 grams. One packet of yeast is enough for a 5-gallon batch of beer for a normal strength beer (4-8% ABV).
Two packets of yeast will produce a smoother lager as opposed to one packet. One packet of yeast is enough for a 5-gallon batch of beer for a normal strength beer (4-8% ABV).
Two packets of yeast will produce a smoother lager as opposed to one packet. One packet of yeast is enough for a 5-gallon batch of beer for a normal strength beer (4-8% ABV).
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Use one packet of yeast for 5-gallon batches of lagers and ales
One packet of yeast is recommended for 5-gallon batches of lagers and ales. One packet of yeast is approximately 11 grams. Breweries use the equivalent of one tube per gallon.
One source recommends using one 11-gram packet of dry ale yeast for a normal strength beer (4-8% ABV). Another source recommends using one packet for 5-gallon batches of both lagers and ales.
Another source recommends using at least 10 grams of dry yeast for a normal gravity 5-gallon batch of beer. If your beer is above 1.065 OG, use at least 20 grams.
Another source recommends using two packets of yeast, but dry yeast packets can be 6 grams to 15 grams.
Another source recommends using two packets of dry yeast for 5 gallons of beer to get better-tasting (smoother) lagers.
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Frequently asked questions
10g of dry yeast is needed for a normal gravity 5-gallon batch of beer. If your beer is above 1.065 OG, you should use at least 20g.
Two packets of yeast are recommended for a 5-gallon batch. However, dry yeast packets can be 6 grams to 15 grams.
You can do a yeast starter with dry yeast, but it's cheaper to make a starter with one packet and some DME.
The first fermentation phase should take 4-6 days.
The official recommendation is 2 packets for lagers due to the lower fermentation temperature.
