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Standard infusion mash formula accounts for grain temperature and mash ratio. Assumes mash tun at ambient and pre-heated or unheated.
Strike °F = (0.2 / R × (T_rest − T_grain)) + T_rest (R = qt/lb water)For metric mash ratio (L/kg): strike temperature accounts for the same thermal equilibrium between grain and water.
Strike °C = (0.4 / R × (T_rest − T_grain)) + T_rest (R = L/kg)Uninsulated mash tun loses 2–5°F (1–3°C) during mash-in. Pre-warm tun with hot water or add 2–3°F to calculated strike temp. Cooler mashtuns need larger adjustment.
Adjusted strike = Calculated strike + Tun loss factorUpdated: July 2026
At 1.33 qt/lb ratio: Strike = (0.2/1.33 × (152−65)) + 152 ≈ 165°F. Pre-heat mash tun or add 2°F for cooler loss → 167°F strike water.
Grain stored in cold garage at 50°F needs higher strike: ~172°F at 1.33 qt/lb for 152°F rest. Measure grain temp with thermometer — do not assume room temperature.
Thicker mash needs hotter strike water due to less thermal mass in water. At 1.0 qt/lb for 150°F rest with 68°F grain: strike ≈ 168°F.
Grain temperature follows storage conditions — cold garage grain at 50°F vs 75°F room grain changes strike temp by 5–8°F. Always measure grain before calculating.
Mash ratio is quarts per pound (or L per kg) of grain by weight, not volume. Weigh grain and measure strike water volume for accurate ratio in the formula.
Hitting target mash temperature requires strike water hotter than the desired rest because grain and equipment absorb heat. Strike temperature depends on grain temperature, water-to-grain ratio, mash tun thermal mass, and target rest. This calculator estimates strike water temperature for infusion mashing.