Should carbonation and serving pressure be the same?

Ideally yes. A balanced system uses the same pressure for both. If carbonation pressure is much higher than serving pressure, beer will pour foamy. Balance by adjusting line length.

What line diameter should I use?

3/16 inch (5mm ID) is standard for homebrewing. It provides enough resistance for most setups with 1-2 metres of line. 1/4 inch (6mm) has less resistance and needs longer lines.

Why is my beer foamy?

Pressure too high, line too short, beer too warm, or dirty lines. Check that your serving pressure matches the carbonation level and that you have enough line resistance.

What is the difference between carbonation and serving pressure?

Carbonation pressure is the PSI needed to dissolve CO2 to your target level — it depends on temperature and desired CO2 volumes. Serving pressure is what you dispense at, balanced by your line length. Often they are similar, but long lines or height differences may require adjustments.

How do I know if my keg is fully carbonated?

At serving pressure, a keg typically reaches full carbonation in 7-14 days. You can test by pouring a sample — properly carbonated beer has consistent, fine bubbles. Under-carbonated beer tastes flat and has minimal head. Over-carbonated beer gushes and is excessively foamy.

BrewCalcs

Keg Pressure Calculator

Calculate carbonation and serving pressures for your keg setup.

Target CO2 Volumes

Serving Temperature

Line Length

Line ID

How We Calculate This

Balanced System

A balanced draught system has the carbonation pressure matching the line resistance. If they match, beer pours smoothly without gaining or losing carbonation. Line resistance depends on diameter, length, and fittings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: 2025-02-20

All calculations are estimates. Always verify values and adjust based on your equipment and ingredients.