Keg Carbonation Calculator
Calculate the regulator pressure (PSI) needed to force carbonate your keg. Enter your target CO₂ volume and keg temperature, or choose a beer style to auto-fill the CO₂ target.
Set keg pressure from beer temperature and CO2 target
Use the keg carbonation calculator to estimate the regulator PSI needed to force carbonate beer at a selected temperature and carbonation level.
Example force-carbonation setting
For a pale ale target around 2.4 volumes of CO2, enter the beer temperature in the keg and the target carbonation. The result estimates the pressure to set on your regulator.
- Choose a style target or enter your own CO2 volume.
- Enter the actual keg temperature, not room temperature.
- Set the regulator to the estimated PSI and give the keg time to reach equilibrium.
Watch for: Colder beer needs less pressure to hold the same carbonation level; temperature swings can change serving balance.
Frequently asked questions
What does the keg carbonation calculator return?
It estimates the regulator pressure needed to reach a target CO2 volume at the beer's current temperature.
Should I use fridge temperature or beer temperature?
Use the beer or keg temperature as closely as you can. Air temperature can differ from liquid temperature.
Can I use this for burst carbonation?
This calculator is best for set-and-wait equilibrium pressure, not short high-pressure burst methods.
How is this different from priming sugar?
Keg carbonation uses CO2 pressure from a tank, while priming sugar bottle-conditions beer with fermentable sugar.
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