Ways to Test for Acidity

Litmus Paper

• Litmus paper is one way to test for acidity. It is sometimes used in pool care and chemistry classrooms. Litmus paper comes in two colors, red and blue. Red litmus paper turns blue when it comes in contact with an alkaline or base, and blue litmus paper turns red when touched by an acid. This does not give an exact reading for a material's pH level, but will indicate whether or not something is acidic. A small roll of litmus paper can be purchased for less than $5.

Titration

• Titration kits are an effective way to measure acidity in wine and other liquids. The kit works by slowly adding a small amount of a known base, sodium hydroxide, into the material you are testing. Add the sodium hydroxide to a sample of your material drop by drop until your testing sample completely and permanently turns color. The amount of sodium hydroxide added will be used to calculate the acidity of your sample. Titration kits cost about $10, and can be used multiple times.

pH Meter

• pH meters are electronic devices that measure pH, similar to a digital thermometer that measures temperature. Using an electrode sensor, pH meters can deliver precise, digital pH readings. To use a pH meter, simply place it in your sample, press its read button and wait for the results. pH meters can cost as much as $100, and they can be used many times.

Soil Acidity Tests

• If you want to test your soil but don't want to invest in more equipment than you need, soil acidity tests can be a good option. These tests are commonly available in garden stores and online. The kits often include a testing fluid and a tube for collecting the sample. The kit will have detailed instructions on how to perform your test and read the results. Soil acidity tests can be purchased for less than $10.