Allows the use of a refractometer in the azeotrope range.
The higher the alcohol strength, the more difficult refractometers are to read, as the scale bars move closer and closer together.
From 85.7%abv the reading on the refractometer even decreases again.
That is why the scale on handheld alcohol refractometers only goes up to 80%abv.
But you can calculate the range above from the displayed value.
You just have to know for sure if the alcohol strength is below or above 85.7%.
For example, a displayed value of 70%abv can also mean 96%abv.
Since there are no scale marks above 80%abv and they would be too close to each other to read well, the range of 80-90%abv is unfortunately not measurable in practice with a refractometer, despite this calculator.
But the often important range of the azeotrope can be measured with the help of this calculator.
However, if you have a precision balance, it is more accurate to dilute the alcohol before measuring and thus not use this calculator.
How to do it best and a calculator for it:
Refractometer Temperature Correction Alcohol Solutions
General Information about Refractometers