Simple Syrup Calculator

What simple syrup is

Simple syrup is just sugar dissolved in water, and it is the backbone of cocktails, iced coffee, lemonade, and dessert soaks. Because it is already liquid, it blends into cold drinks without leaving that gritty undissolved sugar at the bottom of the glass. This calculator does the one bit of math that trips people up: how much sugar and how much water to combine to reach the finished amount you actually need.

Classic 1:1 vs rich 2:1

A 1:1 syrup uses equal parts sugar and water by volume. It is light, pours easily, and is the standard for most cocktails. A rich 2:1 syrup uses twice as much sugar as water, so it is sweeter, thicker, keeps longer in the fridge, and lets you add less liquid to a drink. Bartenders often prefer rich syrup because a smaller pour delivers the same sweetness. This tool splits your target amount by volume, so 1 cup of finished 1:1 syrup means roughly a half cup of sugar and a half cup of water. Note these are recipe estimates; sugar dissolving slightly changes final volume.

How to use it

1. Enter the finished amount of syrup you want to end up with.
2. Pick your unit: cups, milliliters, fluid ounces, or tablespoons.
3. Choose classic 1:1 or rich 2:1.
4. Read the sugar and water amounts, then heat gently and stir until clear.

FAQ

Do I have to boil it?

No. Warm water dissolves sugar faster, but you can shake 1:1 in a sealed jar without heat. Rich 2:1 usually needs gentle warmth to fully dissolve.

How long does it keep?

Refrigerated, 1:1 lasts about 2–3 weeks and rich 2:1 lasts about a month, thanks to the higher sugar content.

Is the ratio by weight or volume?

This calculator uses volume, the most common home-bartending method. Weight-based recipes give slightly more consistent results but need a scale.

Why is my yield a little off?

Sugar takes up space as it dissolves, so real finished volume can vary slightly from the target. Treat the numbers as a close, reliable starting point.