Force Carbonation

Keg CO₂
Calculator

Find the regulator pressure needed to reach your target carbonation level given your keg temperature.

Parameters
1.05.0
volumes CO₂
°F
Regulator Setting
PSI
Carbonation by Style — click a row to apply
British Style Ales1.5 – 2.0 vols
Belgian Ales1.9 – 2.4 vols
American Ales & Lager2.2 – 2.7 vols
Porter, Stout1.7 – 2.3 vols
European Lagers2.2 – 2.7 vols
Lambic2.4 – 2.8 vols
Fruit Lambic3.0 – 4.5 vols
German Wheat Beer3.3 – 4.5 vols
Still Cider (minimal/flat)1.0 – 1.5 vols
Traditional Draught Cider1.5 – 2.5 vols
Modern Keg Cider2.4 – 2.9 vols
New England / Hazy Cider2.5 – 3.0 vols
Sparkling Cider2.7 – 3.3 vols
Perry / Pear Cider3.0 – 3.5 vols
Fruit Cider2.5 – 3.2 vols
Méthode Traditionnelle / Pet-Nat3.0 – 4.3 vols
Notes

Beer quick start: 2.2 volumes is a solid middle-ground for most ales. At 38 °F that's roughly 8 PSI — enough for a clean pour with a standard 3 ft picnic tap line.

Cider quick start: Most draught ciders sit around 2.0–2.7 volumes. Traditional farmhouse styles are best served lightly sparkling (1.5–2.0); modern keg ciders closer to a lager at 2.4–2.9.

Time: Allow about a week for full carbonation at your set pressure. Avoid cranking pressure to speed things up — over-carbonation is very hard to fix.

Safety: Always test relief valves and never exceed the manufacturer's rated pressure for your vessel.

For homebrewing use only. No warranty or guarantee of accuracy. Always follow compressed gas safety guidelines and manufacturer ratings.