Sugar to Syrup Conversion Factor

[Hop Kiln Road]

Anyone know the correct conversion factor for figuring the syrup volume in gallons from pounds of sugar? USDA Bulletin says 1.51? So if a state produced 1,000,000 lbs of maple sugar in 1860 that would be the equivalent of 1,510,000 gallons of syrup? Thanks, Bruce

[NW Ohio]

I'm not sure how precise you are looking to get but in 1860 I think some states may have defined syrup a little differently which would effect this a little bit.

I saw another thread from a few years back that said a gallon of syrup weighed 11.358 pounds. At 66.9% sugar that gets you 7.5985 pounds of sugar per gallon. That conversion would be 1.4477 (11.358/7.5985=1.4477).

If we say a gallon of syrup is 11 pounds that final conversion factor becomes 1.4947.

Otherwise, I think your calculations look good.

[Hop Kiln Road]

NW Ohio, thanks. Right, the finish density of syrup will make a little difference. Actually looking at OSU's Gary Graham's numbers. A couple percent doesn't have much effect since he is saying total US production in 1860 was the equivalent of 54,703,000 gallons, so 2%, what's a million gallons. Bruce