New AI Code Agent for Jupyter Notebooks is now available! Download for free

Vinegar pH Calculator

Calculate the pH of any vinegar concentration from 1% to 30% acetic acid. Find dilution ratios and water amounts for cleaning, cooking, and gardening.

What Is the pH of Vinegar?

Vinegar is a dilute solution of acetic acid (CH3COOH) in water. The pH of vinegar depends on its acetic acid concentration. Most household white vinegar is 5% acetic acid and has a pH of about 2.4 to 2.5. Cleaning vinegar at 6% measures around pH 2.3, while industrial-strength 30% vinegar can drop below pH 1.7. The pH scale runs from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most basic), with 7 being neutral. Because acetic acid is a weak acid, it only partially dissociates in water, so vinegar is less acidic than a strong acid at the same concentration would be.

5% white vinegar: pH 2.4–2.5 — standard household strength for cooking and light cleaning.
6% cleaning vinegar: pH 2.3 — 20% stronger than regular vinegar, suitable for tougher household cleaning.
7–8% apple cider vinegar: pH 2.1–2.3 — slightly more acidic, popular in health and salad dressings.
20–30% horticultural vinegar: pH 1.6–1.8 — used as a natural weed killer; requires gloves and eye protection.

How to Dilute Vinegar

Diluting vinegar with water reduces its acidity and raises its pH. This is useful when you need a milder solution for gentle cleaning, cooking, or gardening. The basic formula is simple: divide the starting concentration by the desired concentration to find the total parts, then subtract one to find the parts of water.

Decide your target concentration (e.g., 2.5% for gentle cleaning).
Divide the starting concentration by the target (e.g., 5% / 2.5% = 2).
Subtract 1 to get the water ratio (2 - 1 = 1 part water to 1 part vinegar).
Mix the calculated amounts. For 500 mL of 2.5% solution: use 250 mL vinegar + 250 mL water.
Check the result with this calculator to verify the diluted pH.

Dilution formula: Parts water = (Starting% / Target%) - 1

Vinegar pH Chart by Concentration

The table below shows approximate pH values for common vinegar concentrations. These values are calculated using the acid dissociation constant (Ka) for acetic acid at 25 °C. Actual pH may vary slightly depending on temperature and other dissolved substances.

Concentration	Approx. pH	Common Use
1%	2.9	Very mild rinse, hair rinse
3%	2.6	Salad dressings, mild pickling
5%	2.4	Standard cooking and cleaning vinegar
6%	2.3	Cleaning vinegar
8%	2.2	Strong cleaning, descaling
10%	2.1	Pickling, industrial cleaning
20%	1.8	Weed killing (use with caution)
30%	1.6	Industrial use only (corrosive)

Common Uses by Acidity Level

Different tasks require different vinegar strengths. Using the right concentration ensures effectiveness without causing damage to surfaces, skin, or plants.

Cooking and food preparation (3–5%): Standard white or apple cider vinegar works for salad dressings, marinades, pickling, and baking. The mild acidity tenderizes meat and brightens flavors.
Household cleaning (5–6%): Regular or cleaning vinegar removes soap scum, mineral deposits, and grease. Dilute further for delicate surfaces like marble or granite.
Descaling and deep cleaning (6–10%): Stronger vinegar dissolves hard water buildup in kettles, coffee makers, and showerheads. Soak for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Gardening and weed control (10–30%): Horticultural vinegar kills weeds on contact. Apply on sunny days for best results. Avoid contact with desirable plants, skin, and eyes.

Vinegar pH FAQ

What is the pH of 5% vinegar?

Standard 5% white vinegar has a pH of approximately 2.4 to 2.5. This is the most common vinegar concentration sold in grocery stores for cooking and household cleaning.

Is vinegar acidic or basic?

Vinegar is acidic. It contains acetic acid, which gives it a pH well below 7 (the neutral point). Household vinegar typically has a pH between 2 and 3, making it a moderately strong acid suitable for cleaning and cooking.

What pH is safe for cleaning?

Vinegar between 5% and 6% concentration (pH 2.3–2.5) is safe for most household cleaning tasks. For delicate surfaces like natural stone, dilute to 2–3% (pH 2.6–2.9). Always test on a small area first, and avoid using vinegar on marble, granite, or aluminum.

How do I dilute vinegar for cleaning?

For general cleaning, mix equal parts 5% white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) to get approximately 2.5% concentration. For tougher jobs like descaling, use full-strength 5% or 6% cleaning vinegar. For windows and glass, use a 1:3 vinegar-to-water ratio.

What is the pH of apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar typically contains 5–7% acetic acid and has a pH between 2.3 and 2.5. The exact pH depends on the brand and whether it is filtered or contains the 'mother' (a colony of beneficial bacteria).