How to Measure Sucrose Content

The sucrose content of a solution can be tested with a saccharometer, a device that measures the content of sugar by measuring the relative density. This is most commonly used to measure sugar content in fruit juice before using it to produce wine.

Things You'll Need

• Sugar solution
• Saccharometer
• Clear container
• Thermometer

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Instructions

• 1

  Pour the solution into a clear container. Most saccharometer kits include a test tube cylinder to be used for this. If it doesn't, you can use any clear container that is big enough to fit the saccharometer. The narrower the container, the more accurate the test will be.

• 2

  Place the saccharometer into the container, dislodging any air bubbles or pockets. You may need to spin it or or tap it against the side of the container to lodge it in just right.

• 3

  Inspect the saccharometer to once again make sure there are no air bubbles or pockets before getting an official reading. Even just one small pocket of air can significantly alter the reading and give you inaccurate results.

• 4

  Read the saccharometer by holding the container at eye level. Record the number that is directly at the mark where the saccharometer meets the top of the sugar solution.

• 5

  Record the temperature of the solution by inserting a thermometer. Your saccharometer will include a chart to determine corrections to the measurement according to the temperature. Saccharometers are generally designed to measure a solution at 68 degrees Farenheit. Therefore, if that is the temperature of your solution, you will not have to apply any adjustments.