1. Confirm fermentation is finished
Take gravity readings before packaging. If final gravity is still moving, wait; priming sugar should not be layered on top of unfinished fermentation.
- Stable final gravity over repeat readings
- Beer has had time to clear or condition
- Bottles and caps are clean and ready before sugar is mixed
2. Choose the carbonation target
Different styles pour best at different CO2 levels. British ales are often softer, while wheat beers, saisons, and many Belgian styles usually feel better with more carbonation.
- Lower target for smooth, malt-forward beers
- Higher target for crisp or expressive styles
- Avoid pushing old or weak bottles toward very high pressure
3. Enter the right temperature and sugar
Use the warmest post-fermentation beer temperature to estimate residual CO2, then choose the fermentable you will actually use. Corn sugar, table sugar, and DME do not contribute the same amount by weight.
- Batch volume going into bottles
- Warmest beer temperature after fermentation
- Sugar type and target CO2 volume